Second Time Lucky: Going Back to School for the Right Reasons

By Kelly Richardson
Learning & Life Columnist

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You have contemplated it many times before. Going back to school and finishing your degree. You have heard all of the income statistics and you know very well that you should. But one thought keeps nagging you every time you consider it.

You're worried that your quest for credentials will end up fading out, exactly like the last time you tried. Your life kept throwing obstacles in your way that prevented you from going to class and completing assignments. You began to fall further and further behind and the situation just snowballed into one huge, unsolvable problem. So you left the confines of your institution in search of something better, all the while telling yourself that one day you would be back to finish what you started. Now, every time you think about fulfilling that promise to yourself, you fear a second round of failure. And that thought is keeping you on the sidelines and out of the game.

No more excuses

You should know that the reasons for going back to complete your schooling far outweigh "the excuse" you always give for not trying. There are many solid reasons that support your decision to give graduating another shot. First, the time you've spent away from school has given you real-world wisdom and maturity. You will handle problems better, you will work more efficiently, and you will handle the stress that comes with studies in a more productive way. Whereas before you faced schooling with the mentality of a young person, now you have allowed yourself to grow and are better equipped for success. Secondly, you have a newer and more powerful motivation to succeed. Completing an education program because someone tells you that you have to do it is not ideal in terms of motivation. Now you are confronting the challenge on your own terms and this simple change often proves to be a serious driving force in the success of second-time students.

New and improved

And lastly, the improvements in educational programs in the last few years have been tremendous. Programs are becoming wholly student-centered and designed to generate a maximum graduation percentage. Academic programs, counselling, mentor programs, and hands-on-learning are just a few of the programs that have increased student performance across the board. Financial aid programs have been augmented to reflect the growing importance that education plays in our society. Many programs have online options that allow you to complete your studies while honoring your current work and family commitments. Suffice to say, there has never been a more student-friendly time to return to school to complete your studies. Once you realize that you are in a much better position to fulfill the promise you made to yourself, you will stop delaying and start acting.

Get back in the game! Go back to school. There's no time like the present. And just think of how your career path can improve with an advanced degree.

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in a variety of respected educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

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