THE LETTER - GIVING UP ON A DREAM
Recently, I received a letter from a non-traditional student that has stopped going to school.
"I have to give up my dream..." she said.
I don't know all the details about her situation, but I was sorry to hear about it.
This person simply cannot continue with school because of her many responsibilities - - like working full-time and taking care of her family.
Hearing about this, I was sad, but I understood, because going back to school can be even HARDER for non-traditional students than for traditional students.
Why?
Because non-traditional students must often support children, take care of home duties, worry about money, and have schedule difficulties.
Some non-traditional students take out loans. Some try for scholarships. I did both. Although I was not selected for a scholarship, I did receive a grant that helped a lot.
If the non-traditional student's family is supportive, this can make the difference. But not all non-trads have a partner who can support them through school, or even give moral support.
Some families just don't understand the choice to get more education, and don't want to help.
So... some non-traditional students have a MUCH harder path they must follow.
I hope that the person who wrote me will consider going back someday, especially since it's her dream to do that.
SOME HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
Are you thinking of going back to school? Are you considering going back for a second time?
You may want to check out these links to help you in your search.
NON-TRADITIONAL LINKS:
The Non-Traditional Student Website (mine- a work in progress...) :-)
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Links
Discover the Work you were Born to Do (a quiz)
College Re-entry advice from About.com
The Advantages of Being an Older Student
By Vickey Kalambakal
Some of these links are new - (I just found them.)
Write back and let me know of other good links.
Well, I'm back to work - I hope you all have a great week.
-Elizabeth
Welcome to the Nontraditional Student blog. Helping commuter students, graduate students, nontraditional students, continuing education students, and more.
I wish I could tell the woman who "has to give up" her dream that she doesn't have to. The should say she is only "putting it off" and will return one day. It is never too late...never!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great comment. I totally agree with you. I hope she reads this!
ReplyDeleteHI,
ReplyDeleteI just googled my name (Vickey Kalambakal) and saw that you have a link to my article in BacktoCollege.com. I'm very flattered!
For the record, I went as far as getting a masters degree in American history--something that forced me to leave my family and move to another state for two years. A great experience!
Vickey