I went to college the first time at 17( I became a teacher and worked for 20 years in school.).

I returned to college at 51 to study nursing-something I wished I'd done the first time.

So, Im really late-I guess-but I made it !

I start College at 40,mother of 5,and have part time job.I'm going part time in school,doing my prereq.

I started community college part time at 28 (2002)  as a single parent of 1and received my AS in 2007. While completing my pre-reqs is when I realized nursing was what I wanted to pursue.  However, after my 3rd year, the state had my school to reclass all of their pre-nursing students into a degree program. This took placed because they had many students waiting to get into the program with 50+ credits. It was either Liberal Arts of General Science. I had completed most of my science requirement proir to getting into the progarm so, I took the general sceince route and  received my AS.  It all worked out because I never got into that schools Nursing Program, but received a degree from them for all of my hard work. Now, at 34, I just started at another college for my ADN  and  because I have fulfilled all of my core classes that is required, I just have my nursing classes to complete. However,  I think I'm going to go the diaploma option because in order to get a ADN from the college, I will have to take some college classes and I dont really want to repeat any classes. My instructor stated whether it's a diaploma, ADN or BSN, we all sit for the same exam- NCLEX-RN.   Anyhow, my plan is to get my RN in 2010 and  continue on to receive my BSN and with GODS help and guidance my MSN.

I graduated from school in 1977,  I had 2 goals when I started back school, to graduate with a degree before the age of 50, and go into nursing. 

I figured that in order to get my degree before the age of 50, I had to started taking classes, and I started going to night school at the local city college in 2002.  I  recieved my AS in Business Management May 2008 at to age of 49.  One goal down. Nursing to go.  I started in June to become LVN at the local adult school.  I will graduate in Auguest 28, 2009.   I will be 50 1/2 when I graduate.. close enough..

If I can to this, I know you can also do this. It takes determination and a great support system....I could not have made it with out my husband.

Good luck...

this is great!!! I was 29 the first time through and I am now 42 going from my NP or PA.  The only thing that is rough, when I graduated the classes are too old so its like starting over.  Just glad I did not have to do the Composition classes again.  Thank GOD

I went to college right out of High School for Science Education.

Nursing is my second career.  I went back to school when I was 29 for nursing

I'm proud to say that I entered college (for the first time) at age 47....same year that my oldest child graduated from high school. I'm always telling others that it's never too late to pursue your dream.

I started college in my early 20's, but life happened (kids, etc), and withdrew and returned several times until I finally graduated from nursing school with my ADN in May 2008 at 37! I am going now for my BSN and will have it in May 2009, finally! I guess we're never too old to follow our dreams! By the way, I left a job at the post office (13 years there) to follow my dream of becoming an RN! I finally did it, but I am finding it tough to get in the swing of things of starting my first nursing job. Any tips?

Hi everyone! I ferociously jumped back into college for my pre-req's this (Fall 08) semester at the tender age of 40! Each exam I study for and course I look into keeps my momentum going, and I am really enjoying learning all about the different and vast areas of nursing.  I plan to have my RN-ASN in the next 3 years if all goes as scheduled..

I have been a stay at home mom for many years now, and I dreaded the thought of returning to my former career in retail management when my work here at home was "finished"  My son is now grown and on his own, and I am getting to know sooo many interesting and intelligent people who really are becoming mentors to me. Inspiration is great!

Good luck to everyone in their life-long goals and dreams!!

i started when i was 31 and going thru a nasty divorce. went straight thru in 2 1/2 years and graduated with highest honors with an ADN-LVN. i worked part time the whole time and give huge thanks and hugs and kisses to my parents for giving me a place to live rent free. it was still hard but well worth it, i wouldnt change a thing.

I went to Ohio State right out of high school...I didn't want to go, I only went because my dad didn't give me a choice!  (He didn't have a college education, but he wanted his children to get one.)  AND he made the mistake of telling me to "have a good time"...I think he wanted me to have the "whole" experience of college!  I don't think he thought I'd "enjoy" myself so much!!! lol!  But I figured that if I had to be there, I might as well make the most of it and have a good time!  Anyway, I did make it through, but I definitely could have applied myself more and gotten better grades.  After I graduated, I taught elementary school for a few years, and then, once I had my first baby, I became a stay-at-home mom for several years (thankfully I had a husband who was willing to support me and our children)...then, last year, with 2 children in their early 20's and I was 50 years old, I decided to go back to school to become a nurse...this time I was dedicated to my education, and I applied myself.  And yes, my grades showed my dedication!  There really is something to the "older adult learner"!

BTW, when my children started college, I told them both that they were not going to college to "have a good time"!  They were going to get an education!!!

I was 17 when I started my BS degree. 22 when I finished worked jbs I didn't like for a couple of years. Then stayed at home for 2 years got fed up with boredom and started taking nursing prereqs. At 29 started the accelerated BSN program. I learned a lot about myself on this long journey to my career happiness!  

I didnt think that college was an option until I joined the Navy and after bootcamp and school as soon as I got to my ship I was underway in college. Some of Navy courses are college credits so I could say started at 18 but didnt start accoplishing nursing credits until 20. I dont' have any children and I cant imagine what it takes for mothers and fathers to go to school!

The first time I was nineteen, not married, no children and got a degree in interior design.  Did not use it.  This time around I am 39, going to be 40 in March, and going to my ADN.  I am married, have been for 17 years, and have a 14 year old daughter.  I will probably be about 42 when I get my BSN depending upon whether or not I can work and go to school at the same time. 

started at 35, still going strong at 38. will continue on till i get my bsn