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Returning to school after 30 years?

I'm trying to decide whether to continue with school or not. I am going for a Masters in Legal Studies, with the idea that I would be finishing it up about the time I retire (in 4 yrs), and would have it to fall back on in a third career, if I so choose. The program is approved by the American Bar Association, which is supposed to give it greater credibility/marketability.

I have some background, having been doing some freelance work for some attorneys, but shut down the business because I don't have the time to "grow it." If I was to work in it upon retiring, it would probably be part-time, or volunteer. The money is not the issue. I enjoy law. Or thought I did.

But my experiences with school have not been good. I find there is almost no discussion in the classes, and I need that to help me learn. We all commute from very different locations, so there is no getting together to study or anything. Keyboarding does not reinforce material the way discussion does!

Many of the students seem to only want the credentials, and aren't concerned with whether they are learning anything. Professors give out grades, but don't actually return papers with feedback, and I'm the only one who is bothered by this practice.

Beyond that, I seem to be having real problems with thinking conceptually. Oh, did I mention I am 56? I used to do well with theories, but it's no longer coming together nearly as easily as it used to, and I am starting to think that perhaps I am chasing after that which is not possible?

However, I could also volunteer at the mediation center, which would be much easier than the civil rights/criminal defense stuff I have previously worked on, so it's not necessarily an either/or situation.

More than anything, I am just disappointed in the schooling, and would like some feedback from others who have returned to school in their later years. Did your experiences parallel mine?

thanks!
Kim
#college #paralegal #older-students #masters

masters paralegal older-students
Thank you comment icon Hello Kim, I cannot relate to you personally regarding you going back to school after 30 years. However, my mom went back to school after 20 years for nursing. It was very difficult for her at first to get adjusted to our modern day technology, and the way we interact in our classes. She made friends and after a while she began to love it. But if you think that schooling isn't right for you maybe you can form a group or self study the information. Whatever you choose I know it will be the right decision for you. Good luck with your endeavors. Devetra
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Daniela’s Answer

Hello Kim, it's a pleasure to answer your question!

Let me tell you one thing:

It's never too late to learn or grow professionally. We, humans, are individuals in constant development, and this is due to the plasticity of our brain. Our brain is plastic and it changes in structure and neural connections with each new experience and learning, so, never cease to learn and, mainly, to believe that you can continue developing as a person and professional!

Secondly, I believe that the fact that you are not developing as much as you would like in your studies, is due to inadequacy as the methodology of teaching and didactic strategies of learning in the course that you are. In the case of an online course it is necessary to have chats and discussion forums, as well as meetings via Skype or video conference, so that all students can ask questions and grow in academic knowledge.

You can also check if there are face-to-face study groups near you.

I hope these tips can help you. I wish you much success in your career and in your studies!
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Lonnie’s Answer

I graduated from college when I was 40, and I understand (by the way, I'm 56 now also). I found that often I was in classes with people that were the same age or younger than my oldest child, which was a little disconcerting. If this is a dream of yours to pursue, you should go for it. While I can't speak to this field specifically, a great many of the things I learned in class haven't been used much. I learned a lot more in the "real" world than I did in school. We all learn differently and I didn't like group study. If you do, then I'll bet there's others like you in class who would be glad to study with you. Best of luck.
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