I am a non-traditional student. It's a term used for those who didn't follow the logical progression of a higher education right out of high school. It can include single moms, older students, adults looking to change careers, or any other situation not recognized as the traditional path.
I was 34 when I decided to go to college. It was a whim decision. After years of defiance against structured learning, I woke up one morning and literally said, "Guess I'll go to school." Some major decisions come that easily. And when they do, you can bet the follow-up will tax you on levels never imagined.
Along with being older, I'm non-traditional in a different sense. Instead of choosing a major that fit my strengths perfectly, something that would include writing, or even teaching, I opted to magnify my other strength. Doing the unexpected. Defying conventional wisdom, I chose a major that made my family ask, "Are you insane?"
Sometimes.
Through my step-sister, I learned of radiation therapy. This has been her career for the last 10 years. She only does short-term contract work, and is currently in her second stint in Saudi Arabia. After many hours of discussion, instead of following in her footsteps completely, she encouraged me to go the route of medical dosimetry. I'd never heard of it. Perfect! So, with almost zero knowledge in hand of what my future career would entail, I marched myself down to the local community college.
I never took ACTs or SATs or any other type of Ts while in high school. After taking the college placement test for the community college of my choice, the results confirmed what I already knew. Language, reading and writing are my forte. Math and science, eh, there was sufficient room to grow. First, there would have to be an all out search and rescue for any remnants of math skills that might have once existed in my numerically challenged brain. With no hindrance of pride whatsoever, I enrolled in the first of two remedial math classes. Next semester, when I graduate, I will have eight science classes under my belt, and two upper level math classes along with a plethora of general education requirements. That groggy morning whim will have paid off.
In two more years, or three depending on my path, that whim will have catapulted me into a career I could have never imagined that first day of class. With honed math skills, an intricate understanding of radiation therapy and dosimetry, I will potentially play a significant role in the saving of lives. With that realization comes a great deal of humility. I already wonder about the people I will meet. Those who I will be able to help, and those, sadly, I will not. I wonder if I will be able to touch their lives in a way they will touch mine. I wonder if I will be worthy of their trust, constantly caring and willing to go the extra step for them as they muster their courage and fight a battle no one should have to wage. Will I always live with compassion? Will I have faith in those fragile moments when they are faithless? Will I be as strong as I am asking them to be?
These are probably questions I should have asked from the beginning. I'm glad, however, that they did not come. I might have talked myself into a different direction, or out of college altogether. I have met many more non-traditional students along the way, and one thing we are notorious for is second guessing our decision to seek a degree. Is it the right thing? Am I doing this for the right reason? What if I invest all this time, money and energy only to find I can't do this? Do I really need all of this math? If science is science, then why am I doing so.much.math? Am I wasting my time? Will I make a difference? Is this hurting my family? Am I too old for this? So many questions, often left with no definitive answer until one by one, you see the questions fall away as you inch closer and closer to that degree.
If you are considering going to college while grappling with reasons why you shouldn't, I encourage you to instead consider why you should. Maybe you are chasing a dream of old. Maybe you want to improve your financial situation. Maybe you are a purpose seeking person who wants nothing more than to contribute to something bigger than you, and college can provide the path. Whatever your inspiration, please don't let fear become your intimidation. In the words of the great Dr. Seuss,
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!”
And trust, you are not alone.