7 Reasons I Love College as an Adult ...

Photo Credit: Gerard Fritz

Studies have shown that adults who continue to learn new things as they grow older tend to stay sharp, and that’s enough incentive for me to keep on learning! And it doesn’t even have to be something you learn in a college classroom — there are so many venues to new learning, like community centers, continuing education groups, and of course, friends!

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I thought when I started college, I’d be behind… I mean, I hadn’t been in a classroom for 20 years, so I thought I’d be at the bottom of the pile compared to the younger students. But in my first class, I learned that I already knew so much! I even remembered a lot of my sophomore-year French… and I’m not even going to tell you how long ago that was!

Photo Credit: onlinedegree7

I’ve met so many marvelous people in my college classes, from the teachers (many of whom are my age) to the students (who are a mix of my age and younger). I’ve even met workout buddies in my phys ed classes! I now consider a lot of them to be genuine friends (not just Facebook friends), and I’d never have met them if I hadn’t taken those classes.

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Even as recently as 20 years ago, it was still possible to find, and keep, a good job without a college education. Well, that’s certainly changed, so if you didn’t go to college after high school, now’s the time to do it. Earn a degree, and give yourself an advantage at work!

A lot of the classes I take are actually very fun! I especially love my phys ed, broadcasting, speech, and French classes. Math, not so much… but most of the classes are lively and interesting, and what would I be doing if I were at home? Probably watching TV, and these classes are a lot more fun and interesting than that!

Photo Credit: Just a guy who likes to take pictures

I’m a freelancer who works from home, so most days, I only leave the house to take my daughter to school, go to the gym, or run errands. Some days, I don’t leave the house at all. I love college because it’s a great way to get out of the house… assuming, of course, the classes aren’t too early!

I’m one of those crazy people who loves to be challenged, to see how well I can do under pressure, to see how quickly or how well I can learn a new skill. College is great because it gives me so many opportunities to test myself… and I love it!

Those are just a few of the reasons I love going to college as an adult. I’m about half-way to earning my degree, and it’s addictive — I’m not sure I’ll stop going once I graduate! Do you attend college, or take adult ed classes? Why or why not? Please let me know!

Top Photo Credit: laurenlemon