Nervous mom

[simbacatz]

I know this is probably not the right thing to post here, people have bigger problems than this. But you ladies r very helpful. So I thought to give it a shot. So here I go, Wenesday I am starting school,I am 24,married with a daughter. I am very nervous,because I feel like I am different from the other students.I feel like I might have trouble fitting in because I am a mother. Can someone please give me advice that can calm me down. Sorry for taking room on the forum for a silly question. But can someone please give me advice to be strong.

[simbacatz]

Thank you for replying, I am majoring in nursing. Wanted to be a fashion designer before graduated HS, but lost interest init after I had my daughter. Also 9/11 changed my mind. I seen so many people loose their jobs including my family members but the people in medical field. That gave me a lesson to choose something in medical field. Thanks again.

[socgirl]

don't be silly and relax! :)  I think it's great you're going to start school and the fact you have a daughter is no one's business....plus, the added life exprience of being a parent means you have lots of valuable information to offer fellow students.  It also gives you a different perspective.  Also, remember..you are definitely not the first parent to go to school....i think most people are understanding and if anything, they will be impressed that you're a parent and going to school at the same time. :)

[LillyLynn]

WHOAAA...I am 21, single, with NO children and I am a minority in college. Most of the people were in their thirties married, with children! You have NOTHING to worry about!!!!  You are getting an education and thats all that matters! Good luck!

[simbacatz]

So there are chances that I might not be they only mom in my class?

[LillyLynn]

You wont be the only mom! And that matters to NO ONE...college is WAYYY different from high school.

[simbacatz]

Thank You, I am already starting to feel a little better.

[broke123]

where do u live?

im in ny n i know so many people w babies. i work with a girl, shes 21, pregnant w her second one. and everyone is so supportive.

when i went to college i was 18 and thought i didnt fit in. cuz everyone had babies and families.

so dont worry!!!!

[simbacatz]

Really,In Windy City,a lot of young people have kids here too, I hope I have parents in my classes too. I'll be SOOO happy if there is.

[taysmommy]

i am 20, married with one child and ive been in school now for 2 years(almost done!) you have nothing to worry about, people rarely ask you if you have kids, and if you dont want to broadcast just dont, you have nothing to feel odd about, i personally dont tell people, but if they ask i tell them and show off my pictures ;) trust me you will most likely be going to school with many people who have families, good luck!

[broke123]

dont worry!

college really is a lot different than high school.

ill be goin back as soon as i can (im 23).

actually, im very impressed that u have found the ability to go back to college. gives me hope.

so keep ur head high and stand proud. most of the people are not as stong as u seem to be.  ;)

good luck!

[simbacatz]

Thank you guys, you really made me believe I have nothing to worry about. I am not that nervous anymore. You girls are very kind and supportive, So thank you very much.

[spade22]

Firstly, I want to commend you (and other parents in the same situation) for going back to college!  You are doing a truley great thing and your family must be proud of your! Secondly, I knew many mothers/fathers in college and they fit in just fine.  Also, my observations were that they were usually at the top of their classes as a result of having more life experience, and different priorities which gave them more focus and drive (remember, there will be a lot of people straight out of high school that are in "party mode").  I think you will do just fine, you are making a great descision, and it is perfectly normal to feel nervous about this!  Good luck!

[simbacatz]

Thank you very much.

[spade22]

You're very welcome!  My mother  went back to college, after dropping out of high school at 16, to get a bachelors degree and then a masters degree when she was raising me alone (she was a single parent age 27 and I was 7 at the time she started and was on welfare at the time).  It wasnt easy but she came in near the top of her class and it was worth it.  As a result of seeing her determination I decided from a young age that I would never drop out of high school and would get a high-level college education.  I obtained a PhD at age 25...

[simbacatz]

Wow, I am sure ur really proud of your mom, and you too, good job,PHD at 25. I am sure it was hard for you guys, especially because your mom was a single parent. I am lucky to have my husband's support,especially because atlease I don't have to work so I can concentrate full on education and my daughter. I really wanna do good because I got the financial aid and u know how if u don't get better than a C, then you loose it. I have figured out that it's really tough not having a degree because a person could work as hard as a person with a degree and lives pay check to pay check. Anyways thank you so much for sharing ur story,it gives me hope that maybe my daughter would see how hard her parents worked and would decide to go to college.Thanks again.

[Kate987]

Hey,
I'm 19, a sophomore at a college in upstate NY and in my major classes (Speech Pathology) class sizes are about 30 people, on average there are 5 older woman, some in their late 50's and some in their 20's-40's.  In my classes everyone is an equal and the moms usually have good stories about how their children behaved that relate to something we are learning about.  Don't worry at all, I promise it's not that big of a deal!  
What are you going to major in if you don't mind me asking?

[chinga]

oh you have an advantage you diffenetly or more mature because you have the baby and everyone knows that there is noone better at multi-tasking than a mommy no worries relax i am a young mom too and the feeling is normal relax but since we are on the subject i have a little seperation anxiety i dread being away from my lil baby boy (2 months)

[Kate987]

oh I forgot to add that my mom went to school when my sister and I were both very young, she graduated with a 3.98 gpa from the same college I'm going to right now.  She always tells me that by the time she went back, she knew what learning styles worked for her, and how to manage her time.  I know you'll be fine!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

College is a place to meet people of all differant backgrounds and experiences.  It will enrich your life in ways you cannot yet imagine.  You will have people of all ages in your classes.  It will be hard work but so worth it.