This post is sponsored by The American Women’s College and SheKnows Media
I received compensation from Bay Path University to write this post. All opinions are my own.
I can vividly remember the excitement of applying to college my senior year of high school. Even though so many look at the application process as a chore, I enjoyed it because it was the next big step in life. I found a school in East Texas I loved, and after visiting it, I knew it was the right place for me. I had the best time there and made some of my lifelong friends. It ended up not being the school I graduated from, but I still loved it. Then I went back to further my education when I was 25. This process was, of course, different but nonetheless just as exciting. I feel like there are so many great benefits of college at 18 and furthering your education later in life. I wanted to share my experiences with both so you can weigh them for yourself!
College Then Vs. Now
College Then:
- You care way more about the opinions of others, especially on class choices, majors, even what you wear.
- You feel rushed into picking a major because other people are, and it’s hard choosing what you want to do with the rest of your life.
- You don’t appreciate the opportunity as much because either someone else is paying or you don’t grasp what those student loans really are about.
- You may live on campus with a LOT of distractions when it comes to studying.
College Now or as an adult:
- Your opinion of yourself is the one that matters most.
- You know more about what you want out of life, so picking a major, or picking a focus, or even a class is much more comfortable. You’ve had experiences in the real world.
- You for sure appreciate the opportunity more. I know I did. When I went back to school, I took out the student loans myself. Since I was now paying for it, I appreciated it even more and worked much harder because of it.
- You may not be living on campus anymore, so there are minimal distractions when it comes to studying.
- When you are continuing your education as an adult, you may have a husband/wife, a baby, parents to take care of, work to do, you are at a very selfless point in life.
Looking back I don’t regret going to college at 18, but if you are someone who either went to college at 18 and didn’t finish your degree, or if you are someone who may be in your 30’s or 40’s has considered going back to school for a different degree you should check out The American Women’s College. You can take classes fully online or on campus on Saturdays (if close to you), so it’s flexible, and you can create your own schedule. They offer more than 20 exciting degrees in growing fields, so there’s something for everyone. With accelerated 6-week sessions, you can get through classes pretty fast. If you started a degree somewhere else, you can transfer in up to 90 credits. One intriguing tool the university developed is The Social Online Universal Learning (SOUL) program—an innovative online platform that responds uniquely to how students learn best. The program monitors academic progress in real time and connects students with other classmates and faculty in ways that never seemed possible. The American Women’s College also offers a unique program called Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders (WELL), which develops student’s confidence and career direction. A community of like-minded women and alumnae who know finishing an education isn’t easy, who are eager to help and pass down knowledge through mentorship and consistent support.
I think as women especially we tend to put everyone ahead of ourselves. Our husbands, kids, families, friends and others’ needs always before our own. But at some point, it’s OUR time. So ladies, if you haven’t chased that dream and finished that degree or chased a new dream down a different career path, with the programs The American Women’s College offers you can follow this dream and get your degree! You can enroll several different times throughout the year, and you can take classes when it’s convenient for you! So really there’s no reason not to! I have been wanting to take classes (just for fun), and this would be perfect for me with having a baby and needing to be home with him.
So, check out their website and tell me what sounds good to you! http://www.baypath.edu/sheknows
What are the main differences for you with college then vs. now? I’m giving away a $100 Visa gift card today to one lucky reader.
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I went to college between your time and between now (leaning more on the “now”, though), and I can definitely say that there have been many changes! I do still think that we’re sort of rushed into choosing our majors early on, though. I personally made the mistake of going with the wrong thing and changed my career later on – but it’s never too late. 🙂
The gift card would be lovely for someone who really needs it now! ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I guess the most important part of being in college in your early days was that you were completely tension free, no responsibility, no urgency to return home on time… As an adult, we’re bounded by our responsibilities. Great article. I’m missing my college right now. 😞
I went to college much later in life. I actually went online. I still wish that I would’ve gone right after high school. At the end of the day I’m just glad I went. Great observations.
I loved going back to University to do my masters’ when I was 25. Going back as an older adult meant that I had such a clearer idea of what I wanted and I also met people from way more diverse backgrounds and age groups. I love that now so many of my friends are ten or twenty or even thirty years older than I am… I learn so much from their experience and I’m introduced to ideas that I probably wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
My main differences were that I knew where to put my energy. If a class didn’t seem “useful” but was necessary for the degree, I was find with skimming readings and not being the all in class participant — I also questioned assumptions a lot more. In college as a traditional undergrad, I assumed there was a grand plan for each class being a requirement.
College is so different I think as we age and times change too. I only went to college online, never had the in house experience to be honest. I am not sure if i will go back to finish my accounting degree or not, seems I may have outgrown that career choice.
I have a bachelor’s and a master’s so I guess I was at slightly different points in life when I started each one, but honestly, I was always pretty set on what I wanted to do. HOWEVER, I might have done something different if I could look back on where I am now. What a fun giveaway – thanks for sharing. I’ll have to see what programs are offered. I do think about going back sometimes.
-Lauren
I like the comparison you mentioned. I’m a huge advocate for my kids to go to college knowing the importance of education. It’s great to have a college that encourage women to advance and chase after their dreams.
I’ve not heard of the American Women’s College before. I went back to school a few years ago and was surprised at how different everything was, including textbooks being just as expensive but available digitally.
What’s funny for me is that back then, I KNEW what I wanted to do and now I Do NOT. haha I’m getting there but I think I’ve really learned that things can change and that’s totally OK.
I enjoyed going to college years ago, but could not imagine going back now. Life is too busy.
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/958090256326180864
It is so true… college was what everyone was doing at 18. I chose a major a couple times. I never wanted to study. I wish I could go back!
So this is SO true. I actually went to school at 17, but by the time I was 21, I was on my own. Like, 100%. Living off campus, etc. Very non-traditional. It was eye opening but wonderful.
The American Women’s college sounds great! I did the traditional college route but I know some people who didn’t.
I have my bachelors in English and Journalism, but for some reason, I am having flashes of opening my own store?! WHAT?! So, I think one of the business programs might lead me in the right direction! Exciting!
i agreee with you kinda feeling rushed and having to decide and graduate. im happy that i did it but still..distance learning has changed everything so much and i love the flexibility…thats how i was able to get grad school done.
Then, I was not sure what i really wanted to study and a bit intimidated by it; today, I would study nutrition and love the experience.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/958334399124160512
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
When I attended college I was between the ages of 17 and 21. I attended an all womens college and I had no responsibilities so life was very carefree. Now that college has gone co-ed and I’m 42, a wife and mother of 4. Things are a lot different now.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/958338276095614981
Your comparison is right on. College for the younger me was fun with a LOT of distractions , now I for sure appreciate the opportunity and know exactly what I am in for.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet – https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/958343435781419008
College was fun and I enjoyed learning. But I can’t imagine going back because I have other priorities now
tweeted https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/958353368820281344
I think back then I was able to go to school and work almost full time and still have energy. Now just working makes me tired!
I think it’s great that you can take classes online and not have to sit in a classroom to pursue a career. I like that you can fit them in at your convenience!
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/958441702322208768
I couldn’t agree more with this outlook. It’s definitely a little easier to tackle college as an adult even with kids added to the mix!
I think the major difference is you tend to attend less of the college festivities and social activities as an adult. Right out of high school it is much more intriguing to attend football games, go to happy hours, etc., but as an adult the main purpose is getting a degree.
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/958443849143242752
The main difference is quality time for myself and now for my children. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway.
Ahhhh college!!!! I Finnished all of my schooling right afte rough school. As fun as college was, I don’t miss it one bit lol
I only did one year in college. I wish I had stayed longer. I love the idea of being able to take classes online.
The main difference for me is that college is now work – but I do love working in higher education!
The difference between then and now is that I had time to focus on classes back then. I would be a lot more distracted with my 2 kids and family obligations now.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/958765450883629056
Now in college I would know exactly what I wanted to do and be more settled down to learn.
thank you
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/958774424550899712
The main difference between college then and now is kids. I think it would be a lot harder to go back to school now.
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/959249785223106561
When I went to college I actually already had 2 babies, between 18 and 22. I was a young married mom and life was hectic. I can imagine going today when the kids are grown. It would be so much easier.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/960666808373207041
Love that there are 20 degree field to choose from. 🙂
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/960769747888451584
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Then vs now the main difference would be my age. I was fresh out of high school, when I started college originally. If I ever went back, I would be much, much older, as I am now 44.
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/968138798017204225
If I went back to college my focus would be far better than it was many years ago. Plus, I would probably choose a different profession. Oh, the things I’ve learned that past couple of decades!
I shared the post on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/974689405205188608.
Back then college was fun and I didn’t have any other priorities . I can’t imagine going back because I have a lot of other responsibilities now.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/974803638987223040
This sounds like a good option for my sister who wants to study nursing.
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/975413224534302722
I went to college right out of high school but only stayed one semester before getting married. My new husband was military so we immediately were relocating. After my children were all in school I went back to college classes but never chose a major. I just took classes that were interesting to me and that actually worked out great because I found the area that was most interesting and that I actually had the skills to do well. At the opposite end, my first college experience was not the best because I had set my goal for a field that was totally unsuitable for me. I would love to go back and finally get that elusive degree.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/976325637832101888
I was trying to pursue college at one point, but would be interested in trying again. I think I could enjoy online courses, which is a great new part of modern technology.
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/976629256401965056
I feel like I would have better insight for my assignments then I did 15 years ago.
https://twitter.com/patricia121417/status/977203557219864576?s=19
It was a long time ago and felt basically like an extension of high school at the time. I’m sure today it would be a lot more difficult.
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/Sillysiamese/status/978141274975830017
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
College then, I had no money. College now, I have the money but I also have a lot more responsibilities.
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/978234385236414464
my tweet: twitter.com/thrincor/status/980097330262224896
Kathryn C
[email protected]
#Sweeps #SweepstakesEntry – comment
definitely a lot more emphasis is placed on taking classes online which was unheard of back in the 90’s
I prefer in person, class room learning than to a class online
Heck I remember having to write essays, term papers..you know “paper bound”…my nieces and nephews look at me funny when I mention that lol
Kathryn C
[email protected]
Women have more opportunities now – hooray!
For me, it’s the availability of information! You used to have to spend hours digging up boks in the library, but now you can do some online searches to find the info you need (or the books and pages you need to look at) 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/998668786096996352
When I graduated high school, I went directly to college and received my associates. Left shortly after to marry and start my family. I returned to college once my youngest was 5. I struggled at first but found returning to be very rewarding.
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/998711877571153920 Tweeted
the cost and expectations
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/1010225288012279808
Great blog. Had a fun time reading it. I believe that college is the best time of ones life and one should enjoy and live it as much as possible. To get a better college experience I am moving to Canada this month . For all my documentation filing I am hiring this company called MoveCoast (https://movecoast.com) which will help me through it at all the stages. It’s also helping with getting enrolled into the best universities in Canada. I’ll recommend it to anyone who wants a better college experience. Check them out, might be of help.