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Going back to school after being out of school for a long time can feel really weird. There are familiar feelings of excitement and anticipation of new experiences and people, eagerness and motivation to learn new things. There is also trepidation and perhaps a touch of fear about the uncertainty of what is to come and how you will manage.
Then there are some newer sensations and realizations: the students look so young; gee, they could be my son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandchild. How will the other students behave and react to me being older? How should I behave? Can I be myself around them or do I need to be a little more reserved and restrained; more adult-like and mature? How much do I need to censor myself, if at all?
Finding a new equilibrium and feeling comfortable and settled with your younger classmates takes time. And time is needed for them to get used to you: should they treat you as a respected elder or can they be as informal as they are with the people of their own age group?
The age dynamic of older teacher and younger student may not exist or be reversed. The teacher-student relationship exists regarding course material, but life and work experiences may be skewed in very different ways.
How should I, as the older student, behave when communicating with the instructor, especially if we have a difference of perspective or opinion?
Whether or not these experiences are noticed, the added dimension of being an older student on campus can be exhausting. Going back to school after a long time away is a real culture shock.
Try to take at least a 15-minute breather when you’re on campus to just sit and be. This is what I’ve learned has helped me.
Note: The gathering of mature students on September 18 mentioned in last issue’s column has been cancelled.