Respond to each of the following points:
· the challenges of being a learner at your age
· the joys of being a learner at your age
· your hopes for the next decade as a learner
· your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
224 comments:
1 – 200 of 224 Newer› Newest»Age: 30
There really are no major challenges of learning at my age. If I had a challenge in learning it would be trying to balance a young family (two boys 5 yrs and 23 months). I find it difficult at times balancing family, academic, and work.
I have always enjoyed learning and acquiring new skills that could be used to help others. I like the idea that I am in control of my own academic destiny. If I want career advancement and need a higher degree than I has the option to do that. I love to learn because I am able to share with others in an attempt to encourage them to reach for their full potential.
I hope to be able to take my doctorate degree at Walden and further the advancement in adult education in agricultural education. I am very passionate about enhancing my agricultural profession.
The only advice that I have for learners entering into education at my age is to find a balance between family, education, and work. If you have a hard time balancing all of your current family and work duties now than I do not suggest that a person start this process until a better grasp of these areas are under control. I do encourage my age bracket of adults to continue to advance their education at this age because it will allow for more family time in the future. I know that was a huge motivation for me to advance my degree now! My oldest son will be 7 when I am done with this degree. With his schedule becoming very busy with activities and academics I want to make sure that I am there for every moment of it.
I think everyone in our age group struggles with or has to account for family obligations. By the time most of us are in our thirties we have children. That is not a challenge per se, it just takes another level of prioritizing. I think it also can be a benefit because I have three constant reminders of why I am doing what I am doing in my education.
One of the joys or benefits of being in this age group is that I have enough experience to have a valid opinion on most topics, but I am not so worn out by my life and work that I am jaded and cynical. I think that adult learners in this age group are typically optimistic about life still. We know there are hurdles ahead, but we are ready to tackle them.
I hope to gain some more independence as a learner in the next decade since I will be completing my EdD before I turn 40. I would like to establish some credentials both writing and teaching so that I show myself to be the lifelong learner I know that I already am.
As for any advice I would give to those entering this decade of life. BE FLEXIBLE, but hold on to your core beliefs, and MANAGE YOUR TIME, do not let your time manage you. Be the master of your own clock and learn to use every moment to the greatest possible degree--especially if that means rolling around on the floor with your kids. They are worth every hour of your time that you can fully devote to them.
The challenges of being a learner at my age
My major challenges for learning at this age are my twelve and five year old sons and my husband the “merchant marine”. Because my husband travels with his job, I have most of the responsibility of the home and children. Trying to be a good mother, wife, daughter, student and teacher/professional developer/Title facilitator at work becomes a little strenuous for me.
The joys of being a learner at my age
Learning at this age is still fun and exhilarating! I am still able to actively participate and operate the technology needed to complete my academic work. I am still thirsty for knowledge and I feel as young and vibrant and full of energy as I did when I was 25. Being able to gain insight from persons at varying age levels is also insightful.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner would be to gain a clearer understanding of the stages of adult learning and one day develop my own theory. I also hope and pray for continued patience, love and understanding of current and past trends in adult learning.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner would be to pace yourselves and make sure that you are at a point in your life were you are focused and determined. Stay free of stress, negative people and try to find a buddy to go through the program with. Most importantly don’t waste time! Get in school and get involved in your studies.
Be serious do the work and don't complain!
The challenges of being a learner at age 35.
Being an adult learner at the present age of 35 has its fair share of challenges. There are times when I find it difficult to balance my work travel schedule with that of my school, and civic activities (church). Trying to acquire new knowledge and skill requires a lot of planning time and focused effort on my part. But keeping my self-esteem up and expectations in check, I will be successful.
The joys of being a learner at age 35
The joy of being an adult learner at my age especially in a doctoral program is that I have the opportunity to develop and expand on my own philosophy about adult education. The process constantly changes everything about how I look at work, family and the world. As an adult learner, I bring with me a not just classroom learning experiences but also life experiences. I enjoy the notion of being challenged and engaged in critical thinking and knowledge construction in the adult learning process.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade as an adult leaner is that I become a more knowable education facilitator and educator. I hope to address these needs in ways that work for me; reducing barriers. I hope to be thought of as a co-creator of knowledge which continually contributes to the learning process.
My advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice for people entering my decade as adult learners is to advantage of any opportunity to learn via academic setting or work related. The world around us is changing and in order to lessen the stress level and to be competitive in the future, adult learners need to adjust and adapt.
Response to mlstroh....
I am agreeing with you that I do think that if people our age should continue their educational goals and learning. I think our age bracket has an advantage due to the fact that we are more tech savy and alot of times have the engery to balance work, family and other activities.
Hi Grant:
I belong the the 40+ group, and can relate to your struggles of balancing family, social, and career obligations. I think adult learners such a us understand that there are certain sacrifices that need to be made in order to return to school, particurarly at this level. I can not stress enough how important it is to make this a family decision. My wife and children are as affected by this as I am.
Hello, From the 40+
There are many similar concerns I have noticed in three age groups starting from 20-49, it is balancing children, family, work, etc. Levinson's Developmental Periods do not seem to match many of the Walden students experiences and many other adults. I think the periods might need adjustment to match with norms of present day. Good luck to everyone!
To the 30-39 Group -
I was interested to read your postings since I am in the 40 - 49 group. I started my family later in life than most (my son is 2 and was born when I was 38). So,
I am not too far ahead of you all. I think that I really appreciate my education more so than I did in my 20's and even in my 30's (I have been lucky to be in some sort of progrm in just about every decade of my adult life - not constantly, but here and there). As I enter my 40's I realize how lucky I am to have yet another opportunity to learn. I appreciate it more and enjoy it more. It isn't just a task or goal. It's an experience.
Jennifer
It seems to me that the 30-39 and 40-49 groups share many of the same concerns, challenges, and joys. I have noticed an overall theme of balance between family, work, friends, and volunteer duties.
One difference I have noticed between the 20-29 group and the 40-49 group is technology. While a few people in each group commented they appreciate the online format, the difference I saw was a comment made by a 20-29 year old. She felt comfort in the technology and the advantage it provided her. Whereas a person in the 40-49 year old group was not so positive about the technology and viewed it as more of a hindrance.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
The challenges of learning at my age are maintaining my life with family, friends, work, and school in a manner that is satisfying to me and beneficial to my family. I work well and accomplish a lot when I am busy because I am an organizer and the feelings of accomplishment make me a happier person, however, I can be somewhat obsessive about things which work against me. At my age I have realized I cannot do everything, as I once thought. I am married and have three young children under the age of 8. I am a believer in family first and everything else second. My first challenge is making sure I am being an involved parent and raising my children to be productive, well mannered, an individual and to be able to face challenges, with confidence. My second challenge is making sure I am meeting my needs and my husband’s needs in our marriage, romantically as a couple and not just mom and dad. My third challenge is maintaining my friendships, because good friendships are hard to find and worth the time and effort. My final challenge is maintaining my graduate studies, which at this point in my life is very important to me and the need for intellectual challenges excites me.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
The joys of being a learner at my age are the experiences I bring to the classroom. I have had a very challenging but exciting life. When I was young I wanted to play but knew how important school was so I went directly to college after I graduated. College was a great experience and would recommend everyone to go, but as far as learning I am not sure I received the education I paid for, not because of the professors but because of my immaturity. I have a lot to learn and a lot more experiences to face but at this point in my life I am mature and intrigued by the world I live in and want to make a difference socially, politically, and intellectually. I am ready to learn and it is an exhilarating feeling when I meet the challenges each week, disconcerting when I do not, but challenging the failure as well. I love academia and want to remain in the classroom and in order to do that I have recognized my desire to teach. I am motivated and challenged weekly which allows me to figure out and explore new information along with applying and relating my past experiences.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is to be in the classroom teaching full time and applying all the knowledge I have learned and experienced. I believe we all learn as we go and learn new things every day. I believe the classroom is the same and I will learn from the students as well. I will also be learning from my children as teens, through the challenges of friendships, school work, sports, and puberty. All of these events will allow my children and my husband and I to grow closer and wiser. I have learned a lot being a parent and will continue to grow every year with my family. I have loved every stage of their lives and am looking forward to every new stage.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
Being in your 30’s is very challenging. Some woman are working full time and managing a romantic relationship, some woman are already married and working full time, and some woman are married and giving up their career to stay home with their children and working on personal changes of corporate woman to stay at home mom. Going from full time career woman to stay at home mom is very challenging for woman and causes a lot of cognitive dissonance. What I have learned is to try and be as honest with myself as possible, and make sure the choices I make are mine and not what others “think” you “should” do. With that said I am very active with my girlfriends and continue to play soccer all year round. When people say “if mamma isn’t happy isn’t nobody happy” it is true. I have found throughout the years of multiple friendships that woman need friends. For me staying home and raising my children was very important, but with that decision came a lot of cognitive dissonance for me because I needed and craved intellectual challenges. So after many discussions with my husband I returned to work 1 day a week after all my children were in Kindergarten. I now work 2 days a week, even that gets tricky, because I have the desire to teach. My husband is an airline pilot and he is gone for days at a time and so I become mom/dad for 4 days, which can be a challenge, but it works for me because I like to be in charge sometimes and am an independent individual. I am busy on a regular basis, like most people, as long as it is not at the expense of my children and husband. I am busy because I am invested in my family and their needs along with the investment of my needs. I guess what I am trying to say is women and men need to remember who they are as an individual and what is important to them, and if we are able to understand our limits, and not play into the “supermom” role, we can enjoy our family, work, and friends with satisfaction. The “supermom” is drained, exhausted, and unhappy because she does nothing for herself and everything else is done with partial effort, which causes anxiety and frustration, and then affects everyone around her. I try to live my life where everything is in moderation, sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not but for me keeping this perspective seem to work more often than not.
Hi Grant,
I like your advice to the generation that is entering this decade as a leaner, the flexibility and time mangers was on target Grant. God did grant me the time to spend with my children; however, I still have an 11 year old here with me and I spend every moment I can with him. Thanks Grant, for reminding me of our true blessing, to be able to witness great thinks happening with us, in the course of our jobs, family and education.
Patricia (40-49 group)
Hello you thirty-somethings!
I am 55, so I am at least 15 years beyond your phase/stage. Nevertheless, it is interesting and refreshing to read your postings.
Let's see, when I was 30 to 39, I had both of my sons. I was a part-time, "adjunct" faculty member for a four-year university and then some community colleges. I went through a divorce toward the end of those years; my first husband and I had been homeowners of more than one piece of property.
It was intense. I had finished my BA and MA before my 30s, so I was not in the process of pursuing my formal education during those years even if I was "learning" in other arenas: work, parenting, life, etc.
Well, my hat is off to you and those challenges you face. I am grateful for my thirties-experiences, but sort of happy they are behind me.
Take care all,
Suzanne
Response to mistroh,
I agree that balance is important. Other priorities at a young age can tend to distort the objective you have for yourself. Dedication to a final goal and a lot of intrinsic motivation is needed.
Tim Boone
Hello to 30-39, John age 53 replies: I see that many of you are concerned with balance in your lives like family, school, friends, work and kids. My hat goes off to you. At your age I was working on addiction problems. I got into recovery at age 34 after dropping out of law school. I had already been through 2 divorces and had one child. I see that we all progress differently, and reach ideological goals at different ages. I made some tough and bad choices in my younger years and am glad to see not everyone has had to go through what I did. If anything, what I went through at your ages makes me grateful I am where I am at today. I hope my son who is 22 turns out as successful as you guys when he reaches your age.
Michelle Sutton
I believe the challenges of being a learner at my age has a great deal to do with other obligations to family. I have an ailing father whom I am greatly responsible for providing care for and I have a husband, children, and a granddaughter. Being a full-time teacher in a new position this school year, also adds to the challenges I face. I believe that the challenge to stay ahead of the game and be successful in my pursuit of obtaining my doctoral degree. I’ve heard what don’t kill you will make you stronger. I know this means I am getting stronger as will you when you face insurmountable obstacles.
The joy of being a learner at my age is the freedom to learn so many new theories and concepts. It is great having the opportunity to read different people’s perspective about various topics. I is also great to link concepts and ideas into concrete real-world situations. I also enjoy sharing with others my views and perspective.
I hope during the next decade as a learner to become knowledgeable in many different facets of education. I hope to learn how to impart the knowledge I have into the lives of others in creative and unique ways. I want to learn how to write and publish literary works.
If there was one thing I would share with people, it would be not to be derailed from your goals in life. Take the detours, endure the bumps in the road, enjoy the scenery, but always keep your goal in sight. There is a difference between someone who has a job and a person who loves their job.
Elizabeth Gatz says to Mistroh-
I envey you and your young children! Right now is the GOOD times! enjoy!! looking back Idid not take as much time as I should have. I think I was in survival mode most of the time! I looked at your post adn I really like the comment you made, " like the idea that I am in control of my own academic destiny. ". That is a powerful statement. to get to this stage means you have a good self-esteem and a level head with realtion to how you want your life to go. Not always can we say this of our lives. Right now I have so much on my plate that I can not see any light! I hope that you can always see where you want to go. best wishes. love those boys as much as you can! they are precious! eliz
elizabeth gatz says to Grant-
good post! You say "I have enough experience to have a valid opinion on most topics," right on! it certainly takes experience in the form of having lived thru things in order to have these opinions. Remember when you were in your teens? I certainly thought I was all that and a bag of chips! well, looking back I really was only a skinny chick with little experience to guide me thru challenges. I didn't appreciate the education I had at K-State and I basically just went becasue I did not have any direction in my life. now I have an idea of what an education can do for me and I want to advance. I want to be someone who does make a difference. I believe that we have to live thru some hard times in order to really appreciate things and see what is out there, what is really worth something. looking back I sure would hve done things differently but alas we do not have that luxury! eliz
In response to John Hedrick,
My hats off to you for pushing forward. I do think that when you were my age, times were differnt and it was expected to juggle family, work, and day to day challenges. I believe that adult learners were much more stronger mentally then. Considering what you been through and where you are today, I have to draw the conclusion that a person in my generation with your sitiution would have just called it quits.
Resposnse to Gudewich,
I agree that the age difference from the middle age 30-39/and 40-49 are not much differnt in their approach to adult learning. i think our generations are much similiar than we think.
The challenges of being a learner at 33
Finding a happy balance between work,family, and school has to be the hardest part about being an adult learner. Having a strong internal drive to reach for your ambitions, yet trying to still fullfill your work responsibilities and be a good, attentive parent can sometimes be vary draining. Never since the first day dropping my son off at daycare have I felt such parent guilt and been kept awake a night worrying that my kids are being slighted. If it weren't for a very supportive husband, I might have caved long ago on my career dreams.
The Joys of being a learner at 33
Luckily, the joys of working toward my Ed.D at my age far outway the short term challenges, and we have to remember that they are short term in the big picture. As someone in my thirties, I feel that I have had the chance to grow up with more technological experience than perhaps older groups making it easier for me to adapt to the fast paced changes in education and I am at a time in my life when I have valuable work experience behind me, allowing me to reach higher and farther in my knowledge quest. What I especially like about learning at this age and in this era, is that education has finally become more than a young person's game. When I began to look for a doctoral program, one almost had to quite their job in order to take classes that were not at night but during the day. This put up serious walls for the vast majority of adult learners who had families to support. With the advent of cohorts and distance/online education, adult learning has really opened doors and made it possible to have your family and a career advancement, too!
What are your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to find more acceptence for online degrees. I hope that I will be able to find a university position with this degree so that I can contribute to the education of others in higher education. I hope to see more students attending higher education institutions, rather than believing it is out of their reach. I hope to be in a position to help education new teachers, especially new, dedicated middle school teachers.
My advice for students of my decade entering education
My colleague who is about to turn 30 next year is currently looking for a master's program to start. She has been looking for two years for a program that fits her needs and I have repeatedly told her to stop looking and just jump in. There will never be a perfect time or a perfect program. It will mean re-arranging your life and your priorities. However, if you can keep your eye on the prize it is all worth it.
The challenges of being a learner at my age are balancing my beautiful family and my career. My family is very important and giving my best as a special educator is also. Therefore, balancing school, family and career are a challenge but it can be done.
The joys of being a learner at my age are the blessings of having the enthusiasm and good senses to want to learn. My motto is "There is always something to learn".
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is that I will be done with school (finish before 40) and I will be focused more on my family and the advancement of my career and learning from the two.
Advice to those entering my decade as a learner is to stay focused. Know that it will not be e asy and find a balance. Remember the purpose and know that it's worth the challenge.
Response to Les
Les I think you are right about adaptability. However I think this is a concept that transendes age levels. As a Learner, the best thing is to learn to adapt to ongoing changes in technology, life in general, and adapting to new ways of learning old ideas. I enjoyed reading your post!
Inez (20-29 Group)
Hello from the 50-59 group.
My hat's off to those of you trying to balance young families, work, and all of the attendant stuff of life. In fact, my hat's off to ALL of you, regardless of age, who have children. I'm 53 and I'm one of the very few women out there that never felt the desire to have children. I do, however, "borrow" friends kids to give them a break.
I do appreciate your and the 20-29 groups take on technology. I suppose that growing up with it surrounding you is a distinct advantage over those of us who are older. I used to be deathly afraid of it, but my husband, who's 64, is a "geek" and has managed to cure me of most of my fears.
M
Challenges of being a learner at your age
Time is the greatest challenge of being a learner at my age. I have so many responsibilities, commitments and interests that I find it difficult to balance everything. There are some commitments that I’ve had to take a sabbatical from, just to keep my head above water.
Joys of being a learner at your age
I’m finding it difficult at this moment in time to find the joy of my own experience, but in general I find joy in the ability to choose my own learning. I am pleased to have the abundant choices in programs, locations, and styles.
Hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to find a learning interest that will inspire me to continue learning. I would like to find a new and fresh learning interest. I hope that learning opportunities continue to capture the interest of adults, so that I will be able to teach them.
Advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
I would advice people who are entering learning from my decade to keep their priorities in order. It’s important not to lose sight of what’s really important while pursuing personal goals. Finally, I would advise them to have an idea of what they want before they get started.
The challenges of being a learner at my age...
The challenges of being a learner at the age of 39, for me, include many things. The first major obstacle would have to be time. Being a single mom of two teenage children and holding down two jobs, finding enough time in the day to take care of those things is nearly impossible. When I decided to pursue my doctorial degree, I found it even harder. Thanks to my daily planner and my obsessive behavior, I now have found some kind of balance. The other obstacles that I have include money and technology. As with many other people who are trying to get by in this economy, I worry that I will not have enough money to finance my educational goals. As far as technology is concerned, I worry that I do not have enough skills or knowledge in the area to be successful. In summary, you could say that my challenges include balancing my family, job(s), and academic pursuits. I also worry that I will not be able to complete my program of study at Walden due to financial strains or my lack of technological skills.
The joys of being a learner at my age...
There are many joys of being a learner at age 39. The things I find most enjoyable is that I have the freedom and opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge about a great number of things. I also believe that I appreciate my education more now, than I did when I was in my twenties.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner...
My hope for learning in the next decade (which is soon, because I turn 40 in July) is that I never stop learning. I think the worst thing a person can do is to become stagnant and set in their ways. I never want to be that person. I make it a point to try to learn as much as I can about topics that I know little about and believe that this characteristic will remain with me for the rest of my life.
My advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner...
My advice to those people who are entering the learning process, no matter what age you are, is to “just do it”.You will never regret learning something new, just never having taken the chance.
Being an adult learner in my thirties is very different from when I was an adult learner in my twenties. Even though I worked fulltime while in school, the familial role undertaken in my thirties provides me a greater responsibility and diligence to succeed. As an Assistant Dean of Students in my twenties, I worked 80+ hours a week but had no other “obligations” because I was single. The challenge of juggling school and work was not greatly challenging. Now that I am married and expecting a child, working anywhere close to 60+ hours challenges my time management skills. My days can run from eight in the morning to eleven at night. I have felt the wear and tear when I put in multiple fifteen-hour days in a row. A colleague calls me Super Steve (it beats Scuba Steve).
With the new edition to my family arriving in June, I face the challenge of an additional responsibility, daddy. I look forward to this new challenge and will fully embrace my newest role in life. I have seen colleagues and classmates meet these challenges and succeed. I, too, will succeed.
The joy of being an adult learner at my age is that I can see the immediate application of knowledge in both my learning and teaching environments. As an instructor and academic dean, I get the privilege to see our readings jump from the pages. I find it fascinating. It does not hurt that I also enjoy reviewing and discussing lifelong learning techniques with my colleagues and classmates.
My hope for the next decade as an adult learner is possibly furthering my education. I might pursue an MBA or JD to further diversify my credentials. I consider myself a lifelong learner.
My advice for people who are entering thier thirties as a learner is to simplify. Take everything one step at a time and tackle the top priority first as you descend your listed goals. Balance is crucial.
Comment to April
Interesting post. It is real that at the ages of 30 - 39 most of the people do a lot of thing and had common challenges. They can manege lot of task at the same time. At age 40-49 thing are different and at some point difficults. Another interesting point is that you like to had a buddy to work with. At our age we preffered to work alone. It is interesting to learn how other manege the learning process.
30-39
What are the challenges of being a learner at your age?
The biggest challenge for me is time. I find that there are many life demands that can draw an individual’s attention away from learning (family, commitments, work, volunteerism). Most of my down time is spent on helping my oldest son prepare for high school graduation and completing college paper work for fall entrance into college. Time management is about finding the right balance that works best for that given time frame. It continues to change. Next semester will bring other challenges as it relates to time.
What are the joys of being a learner at your age?
I think that in my age range, learning is a more serious thing. For most, it is usually a requirement for employment. For me, it is about that as well as personal accomplishments and learning new things. It never gets old. It is something I look forward too.
What are your hopes for the next decade as a learner?
I hope to be a continuous learner. Since change is inevitable, I would like to stay abreast of new technologies, changes in policies, and education. This requires me to continue taking courses in my professional field even after graduating from Walden University.
What is your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner?
Learning is challenging and rewarding. It is what you make of it. Just enjoy it. Prioritize those things that are important to you and delete the others. This will eliminate some stress.
Challenges
As a learner at the cusp of 30 years old, there are similar challenges as my classmates. The challenge to balance family responsibilities, work requirements and time for school work is at the top of the list. As a woman it seems as if these challenges are magnified due to societal pressure that I must be a "hands on"- involved every minute mother, while being successful in the workplace which means more than the traditional 40 + hours a week. This may not be true for every woman, but when I look at what society expects from my husband and then what it demands from me in regards to work, home and family there is a glaring difference. To sum up one of the biggest challenges for me during this time in my life it would be GUILT. Guilt that I have a hard time walking that tight rope.
Joys
I enjoy the immediacy of our learning. I can read about something and then the very next see an example or put the concept to action. There is also joy in knowing that I am taking the required steps to fulfill a life-long dream of obtaining a doctorate degree.
Hopes
Today, my hope is to make it through this semester one step at a time. Future hopes would be to inspire others to pursue their education.
Advice
Establish a group of supporters. Set small goals and celebrate when you accomplish them. Let the little things go. Does it really matter that the load of laundry is still in the dryer? Find creative ways to manage your time. During your lunch complete your weekly readings or set a timer and dedicate 30 minutes each day to school work. Most of all do not sacrifice your marriage or your children for work or your education. Keep your priorities straight.
My challenge is having 3 kids all under 10. You might say that’s a difficult situation but not a learning challenge. However, I ask you to consider how difficult it is to incorporate school into a day filled with work, soccer, book reports, and dirty diapers. I also work from home so my house is like grand central station. Friends are always stopping by with a series of questions that are (in their eyes) much too important to wait. My greatest challenge is finding a balance between work, school, family and friends.
Even with all its challenges I love learning. I initially started college right after high school. However, at that time I was not ready for college. Without life experience education didn’t mean as much. I also find joy in learning because I no longer shower or shave my legs so learning is the one thing I do for me. If I were to stop learning my brain would turn to mush and the kids (who currently have me and my husband outnumbered) would take over and chaos would reign.
After completing my EdD I plan to take a short break and then finish my second masters’ degree. I want to write, teach, travel and always continue to learn.
I advise all adult learners to take time and appreciate life. Kids, family school and life are all difficult but it goes by so fast. I complain about being tiered (and having hairy legs) but I wouldn’t trade my life for anything in the world. Find time to relax, breath and appreciate life.
Response to April from Shaneisha D.
I like the advice that you gave for people entering your decace. I agree that it is important to pace yourselves and make sure that you are at a point in your life were you are focused and determined. Some of the things that people my age do is race against each other. I think you should move at your own pace and not worry about what the next person is doing with their life.
Challenges of being an adult learner
My biggest challenge is being able to balance my time and not lose myself in the process. The fact that I am my biggest critic is an added stressor. Amidst the many obligations to family, church, career, and education, it is easy to overlook myself. As I prioritize, I need to make sure that I am still finding time to live life to the fullest. It is easy to focus on meeting the needs of everyone who depends on me as well as my personal endeavors and miss taking those quiet moments of reflection and revitalization. As life unfolds, it is clear that learning is a process that requires a great deal of time and energy. This learning is never ending and can be overwhelming at times because it is used in every role that I embrace. My desire is to manage my time both efficiently and effectively. I don’t want to be consumed by my responsibilities and forget to take time to “smell the roses” and spend quality time with those I love.
Joys of being a learner at my age
At this stage in my life, I get to reshape who I am as a learner and I love it! I can better appreciate my education because I enjoy what I am doing. I am no longer stagnate, getting degrees I won’t use or taking classes just to advance financially. There is a passion for learning that wasn’t always there. I am able to use the theories, strategies, research, and valued insights from my colleagues to grow as an educator and learner.
Hopes for the next decade as a future learner
As a future learner, I want to be able to share the wealth of knowledge I have acquired as a professor. I want to be an inspiration to others as well as grow in my own knowledge. I envision myself creating new and innovative programs that will influence the adult learning community. Overall, I feel my future holds a never-ending cycle of learning.
Advice for people entering at my age
My advice is to never give up. In life, you have to expect the unexpected. You must see your problems as challenges to be faced and not obstacles to that deter. We will never fully understand life or its manifestations. There are things that are instilled in us to help us grow and mature. We have to remember to face them with courage and strength. Before starting, any educational journey seek the advice and support of those who will be affected by your decision. Once they feel considered they will become your support team because you have made them a part of your process. This has been the most valuable tool for me. Also, never be afraid to try new things or limit yourself because of age. There is so much that can be learned and so much we can learn from others. As you make a decision consider this quote: Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson
The challenges of learning at this stage is balancing the demands of life with that of learning. As a professional nursing educator and a single mother in a doctoral program the conflicts arise daily. In addition to those conflicts is the adjustment I have to make as an older learner. I was in my mid twenties when I was last in college and I have noticed that retention of newly acquired knowledge is not as easy. This leads me to the joy of learning. The fact that I am able to adjust these challenges and conflicts enpowers me and brings me happiness. My hope for the next decade is to become an expert in adult education as a EdD graduate and to be an example to all learners of all ages.
For those who are entering the learning community, my advice is to learn to adjust to last minute changes and reject procrastinaton at all costs.
I do not see any challenges of being a learner at my age. I have more energy and enthusiasm to learn than I did a decade ago because my reasons for pursuing a degree are more due to internal factors as opposed to external. I enjoy the field of higher education, so I do not see learning as a chore as I did in my younger years.
I enjoy being a learner at my age because many of my friends in my age range are also pursuing doctorates, so we are able to support each other. I hope that in the next decade I will still have the enthusiasm and energy to learn, in addition to being able to balance my time as I hope at that time to be married with children.
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner is to be flexible. A person acquires more responsibilities as they get older, which means that the chances of the unexpected happening are much greater. Be prepared for the unexpected, and always have a plan B.
Response to the 30-39 aged students
Although extremely rewarding, I do not miss the 30’s growing period. The age of establishing ones life and the necessary focus and dedication required was for me ridiculously intense and I will say especially for those of us who were self directed, autonomous and thirsty for knowledge, growth, understanding, and meaning. I was surprisingly relieved to reach my forties, having attained many of my goals and overcome all of the obstacles – by merely surviving (at times). I feel generally self assured and okay with it all, right now.
Elizabeth
The challenges of being a learner at my age:
My greatest challenge as a learner at my age is finding sufficient enough time to focus on my studies while balancing work related responsibilities, involvement in the community, and the responsibilities of being a single parent of an infant. When I started this program I knew what my goal was and I was focused and dedicated to accomplishing my goal. At this stage in my life, little did I know that I would be faced with the responsibility of being a single father.
The joys of being a learner at my age:
Ideally, one of the greatest joys of being an adult learner is being in control of my learning. By that I mean, learning things that are of interest and of meaning to me personally and professionally. Another is being able to apply prior experience to new learning.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
At the present time, I haven’t thought much about my hopes for the next decade, but as far as this decade is concerned, I hope to develop more of an interest in and develop my own theory of adult learning and complete this doctoral program.
Advice for people entering my decade as a learner:
My advice for people entering this decade as a learner is to first, determine what is important to you and set goals, and then prioritize them. Second, form a support group. Having a strong support group is imperative to being an adult learner. With all of the obligations we as adults have, we need people around who are there not only to encourage and motivate you to be successful, but also there to relieve some of the burden of the many responsibilities we have as parents and caregivers.
Response to Robin
I enjoyed reading your posting and I agree with you that learning is so enjoyable and I too have a passion for learning. I am a member of the 50-59 age group. My thirst for learning and developing has evolved from being job-centered to now being mostly for self-enrichment. Earning this terminal degree in education will afford each of us opportunities and credentials to do all sorts of things – mostly for effecting social change and enriching the lives of others. I’m still excited about learning even with the balancing of life’s challenges and obligations – and don’t fret – the life’s challenges do no go away as you get older – they are simply replaced with other life events. This doctoral journey that we’re on is still stimulating and enlightening. I look forward to further learning and development.
Van
I find while no major challenges exists for learning at this stage thoughts exists about the many options available of other opportunities I could be engaging. As a part of this age group, I find myself thinking about my career, as the 30s are pivotal point of finding the right profession. That is, if one is trying to get an early start and beat the onslaught of others aiming for similar positions.
I find the 30s to be that point where balancing life becomes the most important. I find I realize adulthood at its fullest potential now, mainly because of thoughts of future. Therefore, I am here, working on a graduate degree and balancing life too. However, do feel learning at this stage has a major benefits, I am more calm and calculating at this stage of life. Also, technology has changed much in this last decade, allowing generations to explore new means research and exposes more research and perspectives from other cultures that may have unnoticed before. Still, I hope future generations will let technology replace doing physical research because every generation appears to favor the easier route. Good education involves engagement and critical thinking.
For those entering their 30s, you should remain flexible. As we become older, I find people start closing their minds to other possibilities as they age as certain developing matters of life take primary positions. Life remains a better state of existence when we continue to see all — or many as possible — possibilities.
In my experience, there are always challenges to learning at any age. Be it trying to understand your own learning style, to balancing an educational program and a family/work life, each phase of life presents challenges to those living as "lifelong learners". As I am 33 years old and pregnant with my first child, I am very well aware of what the challenges are for me at this moment. As I work full time as a Director in a higher education setting, I am struggling with maintaining a successful balance of work and home life. Our due date is in May so I am really beginning to wonder how I am going to fit a new little one into my already "crammed" schedule. I am having some stress as to the 'balls that will drop' when I add another person and huge responsibilities into our daily routine. I am also beginning to wonder how my priorities will rearrange themselves as this new person becomes such an integral part of my world.
In my experience and in discussing with similarly 'aged' friends, it is in your 30's that you begin to understand who you are, what life is about, and often times it is when you really struggle to find that work/life balance that you can live with. I am finding that this is the struggle with learning as well. Where do my studies fit in? How important is my degree right now? Is it worth it?
There are many joys of being a learner at this age. First of all, I find that I am learning more because I want to. The days of struggling through courses that I find irrelevant to my daily life are no longer.... thank goodness! I find that I now choose to learn things because they make my life easier, or I am interested in them. As Knowles points out, adult learners learn best because we know the "why" behind learning something. I find that this fits best into your 30's when you have a bit more freedom to choose those things that get placed into our experience and learning models.
My hopes for the next decade are to continue learning those things that will make my life easier, more convenient, and will make me more effective in all the roles that I play on a daily basis (mom, employee, boss, wife, etc.). I want to continue to learn 'for pleasure'. I would like to take a pottery class, or take a dance class with my husband. I will never stop learning and I am excited for the days when we are done with school and our finances can be spent in completing those "fun" learning activities.
I am confident that there are others who have their 30's much more 'figured out' than I do. In fact, I am envious of those parents out there that had their kids in their 20's when energy was higher :0). But my advise to those who fit into this category is 'reach for the start'! This is the time! Hopefully, we are beginning to realize what this life is all about. Now is the time to chase your dreams, finish your degree(s), go after that promotion, and be the very best learner that you can be!
Demond Radcliff
The challenges of being an adult learner of my age seem to multiply because of the numerous responsibilities that I have assumed as a middle aged adult. Working effectively and efficiently so that I can provide the necessities for those who depend upon me is a great challenge that I facing currently. With economic disparity in the workforce, a job is not promised to anyone. I believe in the pursuit of achieving higher education, at the same time, I focus on what is paying the bills and maintaining equilibrium in my life. I enjoy being an adult learner at my age. I enjoy the knowledge that I am learning and to be able to share this joy with my friends and colleagues makes me understand how important it is for me to continue increasing my knowledge. For example, many of my employees are 10 to 15 years older than me. During our meetings, I focus on the expressions that they make when I am applying theories to practice. I can see that they are amazed and impressed with my knowledge and the response that I receive from them brings me joy. During my next decade as a learner, I want to continue transforming myself into a even more knowledgeable person. With the demand for educational growth, I feel that the biggest mistake that any adult learner can make is to stop engaging in the learning process. New theories and technology will be my catalyst and reason for this pursuit. As for individuals who has decided to enter my decade as a learner, my advice to them will be that now is the time for them to increase their awareness to society by educating themselves on the various changes that we are facing as a nation.
40+,
The challenges of being a learner at this age,is not following the majority of people mindset and believing that everything is a struggle, at this part of my life, the way i think and feel about things is not so serious, there is nothing new...life will bring pain, saddness, joy and love and change and more changes..the joy of being a learner at this age, I accept where I am at as a student and open to grow and learn, the next decade is to continue learning, growing and having experiences where all benefit and advice for those entering my decade, do resist your experiences, don't judge them or feel guilty about what you could have or should have done and make no apology for being who you and where you are in life...Just Be!
30-39
I think the biggest challenge to learning during this phase is juggling responsibilities. I am a single mother and have a full time career and also enjoy spending time with friends and family. As I have progressed in my career, I have had to take on additional roles and challenges that take up more time. When I was working on my Masters I was a floor nurse who worked nights. I worked in an intensive care setting, so while my job was demanding, I also had downtime and a computer at my patient's bedside where I could complete much of my schoolwork. Now that I am in administration, I work during the day, and sometimes don't even have time for much, much less time to look at schoolwork! Also my daughter is getting older (turning 6) and demands a lot of attention.
The good things about being a learner at my age are that it gives me more flexibility in what I want to do with my career. I can directly apply my learning to my current work, which both solidifies my learning as well as improves my practice. Also, for all of my adult learning, I have been involved with the use of computers and technology, so that isn't so much of a challenge.
My hopes for being a learner over the next decade are to continue to apply my learning to practice and to explore more options in my career field. I hope to be able to use my own learning to inspire others to continue learning as well.
My advice for others as learners is to use effective time management and to always make sure to have time for yourself. To give yourself a break and realize all that you do. And, most of all, to realize you learn from everything you do. See what is around you and apply your learning to those situations. Choose a subject that you are interested in, not just something others think you should study. And above all, never stop learning!
HI all 30 somethings! Balance seems to be your main goal and staying up with the world. You have a more serious tone than some of your older counterparts and that is good to see - after all, you'll be the ones taking care of us in another 20-30 years. Thanks for your dedication to learning!
Hello 30 somethings!! I almost chuckle when I read your posts about the challenges and obstacles that you believe you face in your age group. I am 50+, no 55+, no wait 57+ and basically five years ago started my second family. I went back to school at 50 to finish my college degree after working for many years and earning a good salary. Everyone has the problem of balancing time and things to do. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. It doesn’t make any difference how old you are. Believe me education is worth it. Don’t ever give up. You are never too old. Since 2000 I have earned three college degrees and am now working on my EdD. Anyone can do it. Determination, commitment, passion, and drive are some of what you need to be successful.
1) The challenges of being an adult learner at your age.
When I do most of my physiology lectures, I always seem to end up using the term homeostasis in some fashion. I tell my students that the body likes balance, and when things like blood sugar levels are thrown out of balance, then bad things happen. The biggest challenge I face at this point in my life as an adult learner is balance. How do I juggle a busy teaching load with being a husband and father? How do I juggle the rigors of a doctoral program with work and family responsibilities? Often times I feel like a circus performer on the high wire without a security net below me! I don't mean to sound arrogant, but that's it! In a nutshell, that is my biggest challenge! Now, do I always rise to the challenge? The answer is a resounding no! If you knew me personally, you would understand that I am a driven person, and it is the challenge of balancing my attention being pulled a thousand different directions that excites me and encourages me to press forward!
2) The joys of being a learner at your age.
I neglected to mention in the previous paragraph that I am 35. As strange as it may sound, one of my biggest joys as a learner is simply the challenge of learning more than I know at any given time. As a science instructor, I constantly have to be on my toes, ready to answer the random questions that come my way. If I don't spend time reading and preparing for class, I will get caught by surprise! Learning brings me joy! This program has been a challenge, but one of joy and self-fulfillment. Once I complete the program, I will be the first member on either side of my family to complete a doctoral degree. Knowing that I am setting a positive example for my daughter and cousins (I have 9 cousins under the age of 8, but that is a long story) makes me feel like I am building a solid future for my family.
3) Your hopes for the next decade as a learner.
I am sure I can speak for all of you (fellow classmates) when I say that one my primary goals over the next decade is to successfully complete this doctoral program! Also, at the end of this decade, I pray that I can look back at myself as an instructor and be proud of what I have become. Recognition and awards are nice, don't get me wrong, but I tend to find the greatest joy in seeing former students succeed in their careers. Learning what it was that I did to help those students and continue doing it is very important to me.
4) Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
I would encourage anyone entering my stage of life to make the search for balance their top priority. If you are juggling a career, family, and continuing education, remember to stop and smell the flowers from time to time! Take time periodically to rest because if you don't, you'll burn out and potentially hurt those you love. A quote from a movie comes to my mind although I can't remember which movie it is. The quote is, "Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out alive." Balance is all about melding the energy and joy that come with youth with the responsibility and fulfillment that come with maturity. Life is a wild journey, so do your best to enjoy the ride!
Thank you for your time!
Joel Rogers
Response to Grant.
Grant,
I appreciated your comment about not being jaded and worn out by your life and job! That is so true! One of my colleagues at work is in his early 60's and still has a very apparent joy for teaching. Like you, I enjoy that my life and educational experiences have given me credibility when I comment on pertinent topics without becoming jaded. When I become the instructor that students hate to take because the say I am too old and cranky and should retire, that is the day I know it's time to hang up the helmet, cleats, and pads and probably should retire! Great post!
Joel
Response to April.
April,
I don't really have any comments on your post other than to encourage you and say that I appreciate your strength and determination! Several of my current students are single parents and struggle with the demands of an undergraduate program. You deserve a medal for doing what you do! Congratulations and keep up the great work!
Joel
Response to Kimberly.
Kimberly,
I appreciate the degree to which you were open and honest about your personal life. I find myself focusing on some of the same issues, particularly with how do I focus on my schoolwork but still show my wife the love and attention she needs. I know I have missed the mark on occasion, but I am thankful she is patient with me! I am sure your husband appreciates all you do for him and your children! The best of luck to you during your doctoral adventure!
Joel
• The main challenge of being a learner at my age is time. If I had more time in the week, it would be much easier to balance school with my other responsibilities (work, family) and the time I need to recharge.
• The joys of being a learner at my age are many. I enjoy the increase in challenge, rising through the levels of engagement (undergraduate, to master’s level, to doctoral). I appreciate sharing my insight with those in my life—whether they be colleagues or personal relationships. I am much more confident in my ability to think critically in comparison to being a younger learner. I value my growing credentials and the fact that I am growing into a wiser adult because of my education.
• My hopes for the next decade as a learner include an increased relationship between my function as a learner and as a teacher (this is happening already, thanks to this program). I also hope to integrate technology and authentic, creative assessments into my journeys in both capacities. After I complete the Ed.D. in Higher Education and Adult Learning, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in a closely related field. This field is to be determined but will fall in one of the following areas: Social psychology, counseling, art therapy, or expressive therapy.
• My advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner would depend upon the level of student to whom I am speaking. Generally, technology and the commitment to social change are significant to me. Adult learners who are just entering the college atmosphere have a set of challenges that are unique, as they are such non-traditional students. I suppose I would have to stress the decisions about the choice of school (pick one that best fits your goals and budget) and understanding which type of learning venue is a best fit (virtual v. in-person). Once these concerns are explored and addressed, the student should try his or her best to connect with teachers and peers that are supportive.
Sorry about the "Mrs. Courtwright"! I use this blog for the classes I teach as well. Please respond to me as Mary.
Response to Les Wright
Les,
The same challenge from age 30-39 seems to be the same challenge I face in the age group of 50-59. Balancing time, work, school, and family always seems to be very difficult to do. As adult learners we do bring a lot of life experiences to the table and these experiences shape who we are and help develop our self-esteem as we pursue our goals and achievements in life.
Hello all of you in your thirties, I admire your desire to pursue your doctorate in your thirties. I think back to my thirties at that time in my life I was rearing my children, supporting my husband mentally and emotionally as he continued his educational goals as a Sr. industrial engineer, and trying to decide if I was going to pursue my bachelors now that I had my associate degree. Life was very different for me than it is for you now. There were no online courses to help with pursuing your educational desires. Online course and technology have allowed many adults to achieve their goals in life and broaden their horizions. I feel this has been a major accomplishment in the field of education for adults as it has opened new ways to become lifelong learners.
Good luck to you all and take care.
Deborah
I have to say, I think my thinking puts me more in this category than in my own (20s). I found that most of you worry about balancing family, work and school. I am in that boat, too. With two full time jobs, four small children and a doctoral program, I certainly can relate to having my hands full.
I respect others who are working to improve their lives while juggling all of these other aspects of our lives. It's comforting and inspiring to find others who can relate to our journey.
Kate
To Mistroh
From Mia
Mistroh:
I actually felt the same as I compared my experience with /pursuing/completing my Master's degree(in my early 30s) to now pursuing this doctorate degree(in my early 40s. At that time I also feel I had no challenges (not even a family as you do. Now,I am engaged, have a soon to be stepdaughter and both poor time management skills and poor organization skills. I like the advice you give regarding starting a new goal (going back to school )when one is able to find balance between family, education, and work. I think now (in my early 40s) I am much more capable of juggling all those things than I ever could have been in my 30s as I was then enjoying being single, the sunny days and beaches in Miami,Fla, and the excitement of pursing a graduate degree. I felt very at easy and ready to take on the world. Although I am very excited about pursing my doctorate I must say that it has been challenging to juggle them all.
MiaT.
The common issues between the age group ranged 30-39 and the age group 40-49 appear to be similar. One of the most eminent challenges for these two groups is to balance between family and study or work and study. According to Erikson, the strength of these two groups of people comes through care of others and production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, which he calls generativity. As a member of the age group ranged 40-49, I feel lucky to have a learning opportunity like this.
Hello from the 40-49 group. It seems that balancing family, work, and other obligations are common factors among our age groups. However, your age group seem to be more technology savy. I have to ask my kids from time to time how to perform certain tasks on the computer. For instance, blogging and discussion boards were new to me, but come to find out that my children do this as part of their homework. As a forty something, I am used to the face-to-face interaction and immediate response.
Lorna
To Jodi Appelt:
As a forty something, I do understand your feeling of guilt (although I am no longer married). When I was married, I was expected to continue with my regular motherly, wifely, and job duties. If I spent too much time with my school work, my husband (ex) would complain that I was not paying him enough attention. You try to play superwoman to everyone and from time to time feel too overwhelmed and under appreciated. Yes, trying to walk that tight rope is hard, but the end result is worth it!
Lorna
To Michelle Sutton:
I must agree with you not to be derailed from your goals in life. I was not your traditional student. My (ex)husband and our family were in the military and traveled every year and a half to a different duty station. I decided to go back to school after our first child. It was hard to finish because of changing from school to school. I finally completed my bachelor's in my early thirties, my MBA shortly thereafter, and after my divorce, I am working on this doctorate. In spite of the bumps and detours, I kept my eye on the prize.
At age 31 my experience as an adult learner feels miles away from the undergrad years. Even though it hasn't been that long between the two. I've traded my part-time mall job in for a full time management position where I work 50-60 hours a week. Balancing a very demanding job has been the most challenging aspect of being an adult learner for me. I work late evenings where I don't get home until 7:30 or 8:00 at night. This makes it very difficult for me to come home and complete assignments or read the required chapters. I also have a husband who requires some of my time and he loves home cooked meals. I am fortunate that I don't have any children (yet) which has been the reason that I was able to concentrate on completing my education.
I find it very rewarding to be an adult learner. Unlike undergrad where classes are mainly recite and regurgitate information that was given during a lecture. We have thought provoking discussions that involve using critical thinking skills and the opportunity to share our life/work experiences. I also enjoy learning with people share the same passion as I do.
My hopes for the next decade of adult learners are that they are able to find the right balance of work, life, and school. I hope that they are able to spend more time doing things that make them happy. I hope that they are able to get the best out of their learning experience and that they take what they learn affect social change. I hope that they find a way so that NCLB (if it still exists) is not threatening to teachers and they don't have to teach to a test and students are not graduating and they have no idea how to reduce simple fractions. I could go on and on about my hopes for future adult learners because there is so much that they can learn from us now...I'll just leave it at that.
My advice to the adult learner who is entering higher education is to learn effective time management and be disciplined. Learn how to manage your time and you will be very successful. The right work, school, life balance is the key
To all you 30 Somethings,
One of the recurring themes in your group as well as many of the others is the idea of "balance." Most all of us are concerned with keeping our priorities and commitments in the proper perspective. I have not seen very many people address the idea of spirituality when dscussing this issue.
Do any of you tap into your spiritual side to help deal with the issue of balance? Should our spirit be a part of this discussion?
GJ
Challenges of an Adult Learner (30-39)
The challenge I am currently facing is the commitment to this program, my full time teaching career and family. Even though I am not married, my fiance is in law school and she also have commitments that required a lot of her time. I am glad we both are doing advanced degrees at the same time because it allows us to be independent learners and lovers. "Love conquerers all!" As of now we do not want children because of our busy schedules and commitment to our professional lives.
The joys of an adult learner my age has so many advantages. My previous Master's program from Troy University is similar to Walden's program. I am able to dialogue with individuals from different parts of the world and I am able to discuss my opinions/views with my age group. Our same age group may have some similarities.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I hope to gain even more knowledge in the next age group. When we first started "blogging" I was not familar or comfortable with this type of discussion. I hope in the next decade my age group will be able to take more control of technology based curriculum.
My advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
I would tell these individuals to learn as much as they can now because our lives are going global; shopping, learning, training, etc.
The challenges of being a learner at your age
Two of the main challenges for me as a learner at 36 are balancing my responsibilities and not being able to focus on all my passions in life. I am a single mother of two young girls and I work full-time. I am a full-time Walden student and I am always being on laundry and lawn work. During my lunch hour, I walk to a gym across the street and exercise for an hour, clean up, and change back into my work clothes to finish the day.
The joys of being a learner at your age
The one true joy of being a learner at my age is being able to apply my experience to my learning programs.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope that the next decade can find new ways of empowering people through education.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advise for people entering this decade as a learner is to follow a path that your are passionate about in life. You do not need to go to college to be a doctor or a lawyer to be successful and happy.
The challenges I have faced as an adult learner have been managing my time between work, family, and school. I wake up every morning with good intensions to complete task, but I often find myself falling short at least two to four time during the week. However, I somehow have managed to maintain and stay afloat without completing drowning in responsibilities.
The one joy of being an adult learner has been accomplishing my educational goals by earning two masters degrees, a bachelor’s degree and training certification. I have experience some level of success although I have been faced with challenges and pitfalls along the way. I love to learn and I have always felt satisfied when I have the opportunity to learn new things.
My hope for the next decade is to increase my professionalism, by searching for opportunities that would allow me to showcase what I have learned over the years. I hope to finish the doctoral program and take my last walk to receive yet another college degree.
The advice I have for people entering this age group is to realize that learning never stops. I hope that they understand that experience is the best teacher, especially when there are valuable lessons to learn. Finally it is important to be open-minded and allow others to share so that this world could continue to advance.
Teri from the 50 - 59 age group has read with interest the connecting link to what seems to be in all our age groups; the idea of balancing life and education. We all share the joy of learning and dedication to life long learning. The balance of family, work, school, still exists to some degree in your 50's but one can have the time to focus more on studies, but then we are very work focused. Especially if we love our work; it tends to be the area we focus our energy. Teri Gwin
I believe one of the major challenges I have as an adult learner is trying to stay focused. There are so many things going on in my life now that those "most important" things seem to take precedence and override learning that may be taking place in other areas. While in school I try my best to minimize that unfocus area of myself. One way I do that is when given a writing assignemnt I always write on something interesting to me - this ways I'm focused on the assignment at hand.
The joyest thing of being a 31 yo adult learner is more often I'm actually learning and not just memorizing something to past a test. Over the next decade I hope to find another area to learn about - something I've done over the last year and a half. I'm a business/administration major - administration is my life. I wanted to learn about something a little different and challenging, so I chose Education; where I am now. It's been very hard for me to switch my thoughts, but I'm enjoying the challenge. For people who are entering my decade as a learner the only thing I can tell them is "you will never know it all"!
Response to Quenna Fuller ...
I've been here reading responses and I would have to agree w/you. The full-time work life w/marriage is very challenging at 31. Unlike you & your husband, my husband and I have a 6 year-old daughter and our time is so stretched I feel like Elastagirl from the Incredibles. The best thing is that we both recognize how tough it is. He loves the home cooked meals as well, but we can't do it everyday ... we sure appreciate when we do have one.
Celeta's response:
Mistroh, I do understand trying to have balance. I have not perfected that task yet without kids. I commend you for balancing your family, academics and work. Keep up the good work.
Celeta
The challenges of being a learner at your age•
Challenges of being a learner in my mid 30's is trying to balance work and school. I work 12 hours a day 6 days a week and it is extremely hard to be the best student in which I want to be. I am learning to try and pace myself and also stop playing catch up.
The joys of being a learner at your age• Being a student in my mids 30's is very different. My priorities have changed as well as my responsibilities. I have a different mindset to where I want to do my homework and not just complete an assignment. Meaning, in undergraduate I was still enjoying being away from my parents, I was a hard working but not up to my best potential. As of today, I wish I was still at my parents and I am still not up to my best potential due to work or other responsibilities.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner- The next decade I hope the program implements some type of mentorship program which focuses on balance, family, life and work. Thus, will help set the expectation for virtual learning communities.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner- My advice for people
entering the decade as a mid 30 year old learning. First make sure you have an understanding at home, secondly, research the type of program and the amount of hours expected for you to contribute as a students, and lastly be prepared to write, take additional writing courses.
The greatest challenge with being a learner in the mid 30's, for me, at least, is balancing my role as a mother, a wife and a nurse prac/faculty and a student. My female roles tend to want to override my role as a student. I am also seeing things in a different light. I empathize with Dave in Chapter 3 in Mentor. He feels that he has lost some connectedness with people and the world. He doesn’t see himself in the same manner as he did prior his educational endeavors. I feel that many of us, whatever age we are, face many challenges in balancing out what is important to us and what is obligatory in our life as parents, mentors, students, etc. There seems to be a fine line between all the hats we wear in daily life and at times we can get lost. What happens to us if we don’t feel like we can balance out our roles? Do we feel like Nora did when she stated she had a “duty towards herself” (Kegan, 1994, p.109)?
Daloz, L. A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Kegan, R. (1994). In over our heads: The mental demands of modern life. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.
response to Grant. . .
Hi, Grant. I'm following behind in your footsteps and I just have to say that I think you all ready have it together. Be happy to be at the age you are, accomplishing all that you are doing. And, it will balance out.
response to Kelly. . .
Good evening, lady. I hope your baby is doing well. Kelly, when we met at residency, you seem to know what you want and what is impotant to you. Keep up the great work. We'll get through, soon, and it will all be worth it.
As a 37-year-old woman, I am in middle adulthood. It is true that work now absorbs my time and the majority of my relationships stem from the work environment. In addition, I have come to realize work is not as meaningful as I hoped as a younger adult. The challenges of being an adult learner during this age is that I’m not sure where I am going or what paths I need to take to get me there. I often reflect on the choices I could have made and wonder where they would have taken me. I have chosen not to marry and raise a family as many who surround me have. It is sometimes challenging to be an adult learner within this environment because I don’t have the family experience. When in the company of adult learners with families I wonder if my viewpoint is valid. Do I have the right experience? Am I missing out on something in life? What are the cultural assumptions of where I should be at this age or are these assumptions just a figment of my imagination?
I can say there are highlights to being an adult learner in middle age. I see the world differently. It is larger than myself and it promotes my curiosity about people and the world around me. Learning seems to be easier than when I was younger probably because I have developed meaningful experiences. Now learning is a choice rather than a requirement. For the next decade I hope my learning changes and continues to surprise me in ways I am not imagining at this time. My advice? Follow your passion! Don’t let socio-cultural expectations interfere with what you want to do and who you want to be. And keep learning. It helps you to see the world differently and when you do so, you will be amazed at how much more you laugh in life.
To Lori DeGaetano: I am in the 40-49 age range. When I read your post, I had a light bulb moment when I read your statement: “I often reflect on the choices I could have made and wonder where they would have taken me.” I can tell you even though I had at one time wished that I went to college straight out of high school, I now realize I only started to value my education (to the extent that the investment would have been worthwhile) when I realized I could not go any further career wise without it – a concept that eluded me in my 20’s. At this point, it is almost a sense of desperation one [I] feel in reaching the finish line (the ever elusive doctorate) because time is getting shorter. I admire your decision not to marry and raise a family because so many people do it for the wrong reasons – the expectations of others and cultural norms..
Response to Rosalinda....
According to Levinson’s developmental periods, I am currently experiencing the phase of entering the adult world as I am 26 years old (Daloz, 1999). My biggest struggle in my phase of development is also balancing my family life and professional life. I am a full-time special education teacher, college adjunct, a single mother, and a full-time doctoral student. I often feel that I am spread so thin. I believe in every adult phase we will experience a new set of responsibilities or the same responsibilities will intensify. Over the weekend my daughter was upset and wanted to stay at my girlfriends house to play with hers son. My girlfriend suggested that my daughter come home to play with me. My daughter replied, “No, all mommy does is homework.” This is my 9th year of college full-time and my daughter is 5 years old. She has always experienced me staying busy with homework through her childhood. I felt absolutely awful when my daughter made that comment so I ended up staying up until 4:30 in the morning working on assignments so I could spend Saturday and Sunday with her without working on any homework. I am seriously considering stepping away from the Doctoral degree program as I don’t want my daughters only childhood memory being of her mother completing homework.
Daloz, L. A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
I face many challenges of being a learner at my age. One of the biggest challenges I face is the demand on time that it takes to accomplish the reading, discussions, coursework, etc. on top of everyday commands. Another challenge that I feel that I face is that of not “fitting in.” I have found that most adult learners obtaining their EdD or PhD are older adults in their forties and fifties. They hold more life experiences than I do and therefore contain more prior experiences than I. I find this challenging in relating to discussions with them and at the same time find it interesting because I want to learn through their life experiences. A third challenge that I feel I face is the need for help in refining skills. Due to the constant change in our information age society, writing skills have changed just within the five years since I’ve been in college last. The challenge of finding your academic voice and writing scholarly is a skill that I feel I need refining. While obtaining my Master’s and Specialist’s we had to write a research paper and in APA style however I don’t remember the constant demand for finding your academic voice. The last challenge that I feel I face is my learning preference not being met. I enjoy collaborative, active and experiential learning over lectures and “paperwork”. So, I enjoy the discussions and learn from the discussions the most. I did enjoy a recent activity that involved doing a character analysis over a movie. The constant reading and typing of papers is quite wearing and there seems to be so many guidelines to be met that I don’t feel as if I’m learning the content as well as I should.
Despite the challenges I face, I also enjoy being a learner for many reasons. One reason is simple, I love to learn. Mostly I love to learn from others and to be able to help others. I have found that through discussions that I can also find encouragement from others that are braving the same challenges as I am. I enjoy getting to know others and their culture, so learning through socialization is important. In the discussions you are mostly communicating formally about a topic given to you by the professor, but through email and the student lounge you can learn about each other informally. I have found other cultures very interesting and I’ve even learned a lot about my instructors. I also really enjoy being able to apply what I’m learning to life! I feel that continuing education has allowed me to reflect and examine how I am doing in life in general and especially in my job. What I’ve learned while in school, I have been able to apply in life and the results are amazing. Not only is it the application of what I’m learning that I enjoy, but sharing the knowledge with those that are not in school but are interested. I find it rewarding to be able to share with adults outside of the school setting about what I’m learning in school.
As a learner for the next decade I hope to achieve many goals. My goals consist of gaining, being, doing and saving something. In order to be able to gain, be, do and save something, I feel that I must have four purposes for learning. The four purposes consist of access, voice, action and bridging the future. In order to obtain my purpose for access I would like to gain information and resources that will orient me to the world. To fulfill my purpose of voice I would like to give ideas and opinions with confidence that I will be heard and taken into consideration. For action I would like to solve problems and make decisions on my own, act independently and collaboratively for the good of my family, community, workplace, nation and self. Last, to bridge the future I would like to keep learning even when I’m done with school in order to keep up with a rapidly changing world.
My advice for those entering my decade as a learner is to keep your priorities straight first and foremost. Think about what is most important to you in your life as a whole, then think about how will you intertwine everything that is important and how will you be able to juggle each area so that you are the best in each. Have a plan and try to stick to it, but realize too that life happens and when it does pick yourself up when you can and move forward again. If something interrupts your plan don’t let it stop you, just let it be a speed bump!
Response to Lori J:
Not sure what I expected when I read your posting... I am 58, and your posting is in the 30-39 decade. Figured your posting must have different challenges, joys, hopes and advice that what is posted in my decade.
And yet, there are so many similarities. You listed the same challenges as I experience - not enough time in the day, concerns about fitting in with my classmates (you're too young, am I too old?), and the way all the technical requirements seem to detract from my focus on learning content. By the way, I also enjoyed writing a character analysis of a movie character.
You also listed similar positives to what I have enjoyed in the current learning environment - participating in discussion, applying my learning in real life, and sharing my learning experiences with others.
Makes me think that, in comparing the responses for the various decades, there are as many similarities in the responses as there are differences. Maybe, when comparing our learning experiences, the number of years isn't that big a deal after all. AndyM
Age:30
Challenges
The challenges of being a learner at my age revolve around time. I'm a mother of two children (7 year-old daughter and 8 year-old son), a full time kindergarten teacher in a district an hour away from my house, a wife, and a doctoral student; it's challenging to find enough time for all! My children are young, and still require a lot of attention - consistency to keep positive behaviors, emotional support to keep them from feeling my stress, help with nightly homework, requests for "play time", somebody to listen to and guide mishaps of elementary friendships, etc. (I could go on and on.) As a wife, I'd love to say my husband helps out all the time, but he owns his own business; he, too, has the challenge of balancing time. Because he and I share strong family morals- we try to always remember "family first"....but reality makes that challenging. There's been several days and nights that I have to allow myself to shed the tears- tears of guilt, frustration, hope, and despair.
Joys
I believe learning at my age can also be an advantage, or pleasure. School has been a continuous process throughout my life; I've not had the opportunity to "fear" the higher ed learning environment, such as those who may have been out of school for a long period of time. Whether natural or habitual, I appreciate the challenges to achieve- to learn. Achieving a doctorate by the age of 33-35 will, hopefully, lead to a career advancement, and set the stage for my children as they progress through school.
Hopes for the next decade
Over the next decade, I hope to gain knowledge and skills applicable to my personal and professional growth. At this time, I have hopes to work in a position for a higher ed. institution.
Advice
If planning to enter higher ed, at my age, I suggest you, first, reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses as a learner. Be true to yourself; reach out to friends and family to support you in whatever way possible.
Lori D.,
As we age our values change and we're not the same person we were when we were 20. None of us knows where our journey will lead us. many times the path changes but as long as we keep moving we'll arrive at a destination. It may not be where we started out going but it will certainly be a different place than we're currently in.
I've also wondered where I would be if I made different choces. I think that's only natural but we make choices at the time based on what we know. We can only hope they're good decisions.
Your life experiences are different than mine but just as valuable. I enjoy reading your thoughts because of who you are. You lend a different thought because of your unique experience.
I agree! When you follow your passion no matter how difficult it is it never seems like work!
Hello to all!
I am 38 years old and like Suzanne Crawford said the 30-39 year range is so very crazy. It is said by astrology buffs that the planet Saturn returns to everyone’s life every thirty years, which can cause major shake ups. Even if you don’t believe in astrology everyone I have witnessed, myself and others included, has experienced our most life changing events around this time. Even if people don’t necessarily act on their impulses during this shake up time, the feelings of unsettledness, desire to change, improve, and grow usually start to creep up between the ages of 29 and 35. When the show “Thirty-something” first came out I was still in my twenties and I was thinking, “Boy, they are a mess!” Little did I know, my “mess” was right around the corner. It wasn’t until that show was in syndication and I was in my thirties that I could learn to appreciate the meaning of the show.
Speaking of meaning, in the book Becoming Adult Learners by Eleanor Drago-Severson, she writes about Popp and Portnow’s (2001) Meaning Making-System which sums up key features of knowing:
• Concreate orientation of the world
• Awareness of right and wrong
• Concerned with concrete consequences, such as “if I don’t do this…”
• Operating more on a give and take bases
• More readiness to follow rules, steps or instructions to get what you need
• Thinking more through categories/making less generalizations
• More of an understanding of “do unto others as they do unto you.” (2004)
These features of knowing speak to my learning experiences in my thirties. I began completing my bachelor’s degree at 32, masters at 36 and doctorial at 38. Before the age of 30 I was NOT ready to follow any rules or steps to doing anything other than what I wanted to do, then the strong feelings of “if I don’t do this…” hit me after my divorce at 31 and I began to think more through categories and my learning became more subjective and more “about me” and not about what my parents, peers or superiors expected of me. I knew that if I was going to make it through my thirties, so that I could enjoy my forties and beyond that I was going to have to do what it took to make it.
My previous negatives experiences in grade school did not matter, the fact that I was a newly single parent did not matter, nor did lack of time deter me from filling my schedule up with 15-21 hrs of classes every semester matter. All I knew was that I had to finish something during this part of my life. Students that are more likely to persist are more than 30 years old, immigrants, parents of teenage children, or had a history of self-directed learning (Drago-Serverson, 2004) and I fit all of those except one.
The greatest joy during this period of learning for me is best described by Kegan in the book Mentor as “interindividual balance”, in which I have developed a new more separate self through my learning, while dancing back and forth between preoccupations with my self and my relations with others (Daloz, 1999).
The greatest difficulty has been to juggle all of the thirty-something drama along with the rules and expectations of learning. Also, I do not think that I have been properly identified as an adult learner in any of the adult learning theories. Therefore, as most of those of marginal groups, I had to once again put my own “spin” of self-knowledge to work in almost every theory I have learned about. This carries over into the institutional and theoretical expectations, which have not been designed for my personal experiences. Filling in the gaps of what I need to succeed has been key in my progress and I am sure that will continue to be the case in everything I do. On the bright side I see this as opportunity for deeper more intelligent research into the needs of African-American, single parenting, student, females.
Over the next decade I would like to see three things:
• The accomplished voice of the marginal groups move into true justice. Meaning that we are not just making it, because we have found savvy ways around oppression, but that justice will be active within the theories, institutions, and lifestyles of the knowledge holders.
• The results of my learning positively affecting those around me to embrace adult learning and become adult learning agents for future adult learners.
• To have personally contributed valuable knowledge and research to the adult learning field that can be used to make the live of adult learners beneficial, profitable and life sustaining.
My advice to people who are entering adult learning in this thirty-something phase:
• It’s more about desire than planning. You can have all the elaborate planning your imagination can come up with, but more than likely your plans will change, but your desire must remain.
• If you have never learned how to make friends and create support networks, this is the time. You will need more support in completing your educational goals than you needed in the crises that got you here.
• Land-based or online, communicating with your professors and knowing what is expected of you is very important.
• Maintain a high level of curiosity.
Merriam, S.B., Caffarella, R.S., & Baumgartner, L.M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A
comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Galbraith, M. W., (2004). Adult Learning Methods: A Guide for Effective Instruction
Malabar, Fla. Krieger Publishing.
Brookfield, S.D. (1986). Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning: A
Comprehensive Analysis of Principles and Effective Practices. San Francisco,
CA: Jossey Bass.
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. Jossey Bass.
Severson-Drago. E. (2004). Becoming Adult Learners: Principles and Practices for
Effective Development. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Torres, V., Howard-Hamilton, M.F., Cooper, D.L. Identity Development of Diverse
Populations: Implications for Teaching and Administration in Higher Education.
Hoboken, NJ. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
There are not many major challenges learning at age 30, or at lease I have not faced many difficulties so far. The only issue I've had so far has been timing and balancing between work and school. Being able to study in an online environment has reduced challenge as such. I've been studying most of my life and going back to school after 3 years has not been as hard as I imagined.
The joys of being a learner at your age:
Returning to academia gives me the opportunity to stay sharp, read more and learn more as a result, interact with other colleagues and fellow students - even in an online environment- and learn from them. In today's technologically advanced society, one needs to always refresh his/her knowledge and leanings, and the best way to do so is to continue education, attend career related workshops and interact with various global networking organizations. In learning there is no age limitations. As Knowles (1970) argues that learning is a lifelong process and there is no end to it.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner:
I hope to continue educating adults more confidently with my doctoral degree that I'll receive from Walden University, and further advance in my career as an adult educator. I hope to continue on learning and advancing in my career and be able to help other adults to become successful learners.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner:
My advice is to always always manage your time to the best of your ability. I am still struggling with time management and am yet to master it!
The challenges of being a learner at your age
The challenge of being a learner at age 37 is the ability to balance between my tasks as a mother, wife, daughter, learner, and an educator at the same time. Time is one of the essential keys that can lead to success. Therefore, I make sure that the obligations that encounter my life never hold me back to achieve what I want. I possess an internal desire for knowledge and I feel that I can explore new knowledge and gain new skills within learning process. I’ve noticed that I have developed more patience, joy of learning, organizational skills, prioritizing my tasks, balancing between my family and learning, self-confidence, motivation, and internal & external support, which in turn define the quality of this experience.
The joys of being a learner at your age
My greatest joy as a learner is gaining intellectual growth. My passion is to challenge and engage myself with new knowledge. Making the decision to continue with my education has been both self-satisfactory and fulfilling. It gives me the opportunity to interact with others in an intellectual manner. Sharing my experiences and learning from others’ experiences encourages the feeling of belonging and being a member of an intellectually charged community. Being a learner at the age of 37 allows me to have a moment for myself to discover what I really want without the interference of others. This is the stage of taking actions and the start of a lifelong journey.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope that in the future, I become a person who inspires and influences the people around me especially to my three daughters. I hope to be a fulltime professor teaching interior design studio classes, and make some changes in the curriculum in the field of interior design. I also look forward to be an inspiration source for people to take care of the environment around us and substitute the harmful materials used in the building with environment friendly materials.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice to future learners to never stop learning and do not be disappointed when facing challenges of being adult learners. People have to think about difficult obstacles as challenges to become stronger. Follow your dreams, be creative, and enjoy every step of the way. As Khalil Gibran once quoted, “I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.”
Age 38:
The challenges of being a learner at your age.
The most difficult challenges with being a learner at my age is juggling the rest of my life around my schooling. As a mom, wife, teacher etc, I have a lot of guilt associated with carving out enough time for completing assigments versus when I took classes as a teen or young adult.
My personal expectations are higher and more importantly, I want to be a shining example for my children.
The joys of being a learner at your age
The joys of being a learner at my age is that I am able to apply everything that I learn to my everyday experiences. Unfortunately, as a young adult you are not typically in a position to create activities for the workplace which are based on theories and concepts that you study. As an established employee, one does have the latitude and derived credibility to create and implement change.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes as a learner for the next decade include planning to take my increase my knowledge by working/learning on a regional and national level.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
Stay open minded and just because an idea did not work in the past does not mean that the idea should never be revisited or revamped. I would also recommend openmindedness, hard work, and tons of time management skills.
At my age, there are sometimes minor challenges in learning. I am not a product of the generation age. I am about to turn 40 and had the return to college during my late 20's and early 302's. This allowed me to catch on to some of the information and technology that has been useful to me in completing my Master's degree and subsequently beginning my doctorate.
I have a love and zest for learning. One of the most significant joys of being a learner at my age is the fact that I can understand and absorb more of what I learn at a deeper level.
One of my hopes for the next decade as a learner is to develop my teaching strategies and worldviews. I want to be able to understand and appreciate more of what it is to learn in other cultures and languages.
My advice to someone entering my decade as a learner is to sit back, read, read, read, and enjoy the journey.
Age: 30
Challenges
TIME, TIME, TIME! The biggest challenge I have is finding enough time in the days to have a healthier balance of family - my husband, two children (7 and 8 years old) - full time teaching position, two hours for commuting to and from work each day (1 hour each way), household responsibilities, helping my children with homework, kids' sports, friends & extended family relationships, and achieving high expectations for Walden's doctoral program.
Most importantly, because my children are young- I struggle with guilt; wondering if I'm being "selfish" by putting my education in way of their youth.
Also- a constant struggle is gaining "true support" from extended family and friends. Thankfully, ALL of my family and friends announce their support for my dedication. However, when family members and friends plan 'get togethers', and I cannot attend each of them...their tone speaks much louder than their words of support. While claiming to "understand" why I'm so busy, some make it more challenging and stressful by saying they're upset or disappointed that I cannot attend.
Joys
To fight the self-guilt about my children, I believe I am setting an example for their future in education.
Also, it is a personal joy to achieve such a degree at an age when others' may not believe or respect one's intellect and/or experience.
next 10 years
I would like to have a faculty position for a community college and/or online learning institution.
Advice
Prepare everybody of your coursework and limited "time". Also, expect it to be a roller coaster- emotionally, physically, mentally, etc. Achievement will arrive from experience. Don't do what I do- stay up till 2am and wake up at 6am everyday. Get sleep!!!! If not, your body and mind will pay the price - making it difficult to achieve anything- work, family, school..... Stay focused on the priorities in life, and remember you can always return to the degree at a later time if needed. If others doubt your intelligence, experience, or ability to complete the program- prove them all wrong!
The challenges of being a learner at your age
I would have to say that many of the challenges I face at my age revolve around school, family, and work. I have always been academically driven, so pursuing my doctoral degree seemed like a natural decision. However, I have had to make serious sacrifices along the way. I’ve had to devote all of my free time to my studies and forego family time. My studies have also kept me from spending quality time with my husband. Although we’ve been married for close to 12 years, my husband and I decided that we would hold off on starting a family so that we could both pursue our graduate degrees. Now that I am approaching my mid-thirties, I am feeling both a sense of urgency to have children and to complete my degree. A tug-of-war rages in my head daily—I often ask myself, “Do I put off getting my degree to start a family or do I move forward and wait a couple years?” Daloz (1999) makes reference to Levinson’s developmental periods as he explains this phenomenon as the “scales seeking equilibrium.” (p. 56).
The joys of being a learner at your age
The joys of being a learner at my age are countless! I have access to the latest technology tools, many of which I use at work and at home. These tools allow me to juggle many projects at once. They allow me to transform my learning in ways I never thought possible. Although I fall between the millennials and the digital immigrants, I feel like I am still young enough to keep up with the “twenty-somethings” and still seasoned enough to hold intelligent conversations with those who are older than me. I am able to apply what I am learning in my doctoral program in my workplace. I am able to make interpretations based on the discussions I have with my fellow classmates. I can honestly say that I am in a “building” phase of my life, a phase that Daloz (1999) refers to as the “transitional” period of our thirties.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner involves keeping up with the changing times and with technology. After watching Dr. Dede’s (2008) segment on "Adult Learning in the Information Age," I felt a sense of optimism and excitement for the future. He touched on many of the tendencies I have regarding the use of technology as a learning tool. Dr. Dede’s (2008) predictions for the future made me realize that no matter how things change, it is up to us as a society to keep up with the newest technological inventions and to harness their power to help us grow and develop.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
As the saying goes, “If I knew then what I know now, I would have…” My advice to those entering my decade would be to continue learning both professionally and personally. The desire to pursue my doctoral degree didn’t hit me until I turned thirty-two. While many people are at a point where they have settled with their family and their jobs, I felt the need to increase my knowledge and go back to school. I have friends who are in their twenties, and they constantly tell me that they can’t wait to be thirty-something. I respond by telling them, “What’s the rush?” Many simply state that turning thirty will be a life changing event for them and that they will feel a sense of accomplishment once they hit that age. When I turned thirty, I didn’t feel any different. I did feel a sense of urgency that has continued to follow me up until now.
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners. (2nd Edition). San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Dede, C. (2008). Adult learning in the information age. Laureate Education, Inc.
Response to Andy M.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts after reading my blog. I think that you are right, when it comes to learning experiences it really isn't about age. We all share so many similarities and differences no matter what our age is. I think that those that are older possess more life experiences that they are able to share and relate to and I enjoy reading about their experiences. Basically, I applaud everyone that goes back to school and I say stick to it...we are all in this together!
Module 5 – Blog
Am I really 38 years old? Where did the time go? I don’t really feel more than 25, and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. At this point in my life, I have been a trainer for some time—and a learner for even longer. Being a learner at 38 offers its own challenges and joys:
Challenges
=========
One of the biggest challenges about being a learner at my age is the seemingly endless struggle to balance the time to do my schoolwork with my other responsibilities. I do not have a traditional 9:00 to 5:00 job. Because of this, I could not easily complete any kind of traditional degree program. An online program is far more appropriate for my lifestyle. Even so, I still frequently struggle with finding enough time to complete my assignments. This could also be attributed to my other non-job-related responsibilities. For example, I have to take care of my home, my children, my friends, and my community. It is not unusual to find me in front of the computer working on a school assignment at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning.
Joys
====
Even with the previously mentioned challenges, I feel that there are many joys to being a student at 38. One of the biggest joys is that I have more life experience than I had as an undergraduate student at 18. What I am studying seems to make more sense because I can consider it in another context. I am also studying what I enjoy—no more general education requirements! That is very important to me. I am learning things that are useful in my field. Moreover, I am able to immediately apply these things to my job. In this regard, I can quickly see what is valuable to me and what might not really work in my job. I was never able to do that as an undergraduate.
Hopes
=====
I hope that I never stop learning. I am eager to complete my doctoral program to be sure; however, I am certain that I will continue to learn in some way even after the completion of my degree. For example, in the technology field, there are numerous certifications that can be earned, and they must be maintained over time. When it comes to those certifications, learning is required. In addition, I believe that technology will continue to play a very important role in the learning process. One day, I hope to be teaching in an online environment. As such, there is much more to learn about how to use technology to its fullest to make those online learning environments as effective as they can be.
Advice
======
I always feel somewhat odd about offering advice to people. By the time new learners begin to enter my decade as learners, it’s possible that so much will change that my advice might not even be valuable. Even so, I would like to think that there are some things that will never change. First, find a balance. In order to succeed in leaning in your thirties, you need to have a balance among family life, work life, social life, and school life. Don’t allow any one of them to be lost. Second, pace yourself. It’s too easy to try to do too much and burn out, which will not help you with your learning. Finally, remember that you will only get out of your learning what you put into it. Some students will do more work; others will do less work. Keep in mind that you don’t have to fit into any single model of student. Get out of your learning what you want from it by putting in the required effort.
Gentry
You are setting an excellent example for your children. Family support is very important, not making all the extended family get togethers might bother you but there will be more. Just make sure if your children are in extracurricular activities you make those, you never get those moments back. If you keep on track with your education you will have your Ed D before you are 35 and that is a great accomplishment.
Response to Lori DeGaetano:
Lori, I enjoyed reading your blog and learned much from your discussion. I think anyone whether they have chosen to marry and have children or chose to live a single life style has so much to offer in terms of personal experience. Everyone takes a difference course in life, but what is special is that we can choose the direction and as you mentioned follow our passions. It is this journey that makes life very meaningful.
Thanks for sharing your blog,
Respectfully,
David Harrower
Learning in the age group of 20-29 by Jenelle Montague
Challenges of learning at 29:
(1) pressures of family, work life, and school
(2) continuing to identify what you want out of life, and finalizing how to get there
(3)lack of friends taking same route at this time
Joys of Learning:
(1) continue to expand knowledge base while honing wants and aspirations for the future
(2) learn from learns with a mutlitude of experience and greater years of wisdom
(3) happiness in pushing myself to continune my educational journey
Hopes for the next decade of learning:
(1) approach learning with the same sense of respect, excitement, and due diligence
(2) continue learning from others and faciliating more learning experiences
Advice for learners entering my decade as a learner:
(1) seize the opportunity and consider yourself lucky
(2) never underestimate the value of combing knowledge with experience and sharing of experiences with others
(3) push the envelope and challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Balancing everything in life is always difficult. I congratulate you on your journey. I have a little book called Teachers Touch Tomorrow that I keep on my desk everyday as a guiding light.
Balancing everything in life is always difficult. I congratulate you on your journey. I have a little book called Teachers Touch Tomorrow that I keep on my desk everyday as a guiding light.
Scott - I enjoyed the honesty of your posting. A wonderful lesson that comes with age is identifying what you can use and leaving the rest. That is a great insight you shared. You also stated a good reason for distance learning, a hectic work schedule.
Stephanie Sexton
Hello everyone, I am 34 years old. One challenge of being a learner at my age is my family commitment. At this stage in my life, I find myself catering to the issues of my son. Sometimes we have to travel with cub scouts and other church activities which contributes to keeping me from studying. Another challenge is working. Sometimes working keeps me preoccupied and away from learning. Online education has been very beneficial to my learning because of my busy life.
The joy of being a learner at my age is the fact that I appreciate my learning. When I was in the younger stages, I did not feel that school was very important. It was just something to do because my parents wanted me to go to school. Now since I am established into my career, I realize the importance of education to my career advancement.
For the next decade, I feel that I will continue as an adult learner because education is constantly evolving. I'm sure that I will attend many workshops, seminars and conferences where adult education will be the focus.
My advice for people entering my decade as a learner is to prioritze your time. At this learning decade, it is important that learners remember to manage their time because at this stage in life family, career and other obligations pull people in different directions.
There seems to be a theme of time and committments of our lives in not only this phase, but in the older groups postings as well. The other theme is that we all are excited to be finding out new information that helps us do better at whaat we do and to plan for the next step in our work place.
What if there was no other step in the work place for what ever reason. How would we have hope in learning?
• The challenges of being a learner at your age
Time management is the biggest challenge for me as a learner. As a wife, mother of three, daughter, teacher, student, and over achiever I have become the calendar mom. I have been married for 8 years, mother to a five year old biological child, mother to a seven and eight year old adopted children, daughter for 31 years, teacher for 8 years, student and over achiever all of my life. My little red calendar has become like a bible to me and my family. Between three different soccer schedules, class, work schedules of not only myself but my mother and father who have moved in with us I have little time to myself. I am at the point where I have to schedule dates with my husband, sacrificing time with my children to do school work, and sacrificing my school work for time with my children. It is a never ending battle to beat the clock and pack in as much as I can in a 24 hour period. In my teens and twenties, I did not have as much responsibility to others and only to myself. I was able to stay up late and study or work on papers. I was able to plan lessons with thought to each child in my classroom. I often feel like I have taken on too much responsibility. However, chaos is what drives me to be a better person.
• The joys of being a learner at your age
The joys of being a learner at my age is that I feel like by working on my doctorate at this age I will be there in my mid thirties to enjoy my children. They are still young now and will really need me to be focused on them as they enter into their elementary and middle school years. When I complete my doctorate, my oldest will be 10 and my youngest 7. At this age, I want to be there more than I am able to now. Another joy at this age is that my children have a greater bond with their father and their grandparents. When they were young, I was like a single parent for 6months while their father started a new job out of state and I stayed with the children to finish out the school year. I think that as a learner during my early 30’s gives me the joy to still be passionate about learning instead of obtaining a degree for the financial outcome. I feel young enough that I am able to still be open to new ideas without having too much life experience to get in the way of my learning.
• Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is too finish my doctorate, move to a passion in my career where I am able to influence more people that being children or adults, possibly an administrative position. I would also like to instill in my children, as they will be in middle school and high school the joys of learning. That opening a book does take you anywhere weather it is learning or dreaming.
• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice to those in their twenties entering into their thirties is to enjoy life. Learn as much as possible. Do not worry about the outcome but live your dreams and follow your heart. Learning is not only in the classroom but happens through life experiences.
As a 39 year old doctoral student and single parent, I often feel like the challenges in continuing my education are limitless. My challenges include a complex career that place demands on my time, a family that needs attention and financial restraints in continuing my education.
My joys and hopes run parallel. I am hopeful of the doors my future degree will open for me and joyful in the example and foundation I’m building for my son. My heart is truly filled with joy each time I have a conversation with him related to my education and how it relates to what he is thinking about for his educational future.
The only advice I can offer is to take things one day at a time. Don’t allow the pressure to overwhelm or smother you.
Response to Sherzard
I too have a love and zest for learning. Returning to school at this point in my life, has definitely allowed me to have a better appreciation for the learning process and it pushes me daily to develop new strategies for using/putting these skills into actions.
Response to Myra Bozeman
I enjoyed your post. as you might imagine, time management is an issue for almost every adult with a family. Please don't let guilt get to you. Your family simply wants yor best. And you are setting a great example for your children. They are learning the imnportance of eduaction and the doors it can open for them in their lives.
Rodney
I finished my previous degrees when I was in my early twenties. At that time, I was eager to begin a professional life. So, now, returning to a doctoral program in my thirties, challenges of learning are different yet not as difficult as they once were. I definitely feel that finding balance between a demanding job and school work is a challenge - oh and I almost forgot finding time for "life" in the midst of that!! However, for me, the joy outweigh the challenges. I love to learn new ideas and to hypothesize my own theories. Fortunately, I work in education. I feel that throughtout the next ten to twenty years, I will learn an abundant amount of information through my work. Because the way students learn always changes, the way we teach must also become adaptive. As a Dr. Dede stated in the Walden video, as an educator you always possess the opportunity to learn.
I congratulate all those who are entering their thirties as learners! I look back on the first two years of my thirties and wish I had started this program then. Today, being thirty means an extension of self-development that began in the twenties. I believe that families are forming and growing when individuals arein their mid-late thirties simply because the decade of the twenties doesn't give us enough time to adapt and learn about our world and develop our "self". I am grateful to be a thirty-something learner.
Response to Lori Jacobs
Lori, I find your comment about not “fitting in” interesting. This is only our second class, but so far I see a trend of either those in their 30’s who have had a few years since their Master’s program and those in mid-forties to 60’s who have been in the workplace and are now coming back for a number of reasons. I am so close to 60 I put myself in that group. My daughter is in her mid 30’s and taking her Master’s, as I did at her age while working and raising a family. I have a good perspective on the challenges in your and her age group and feel comfortable with those in their 30’s because of my experiences. I think each generation can bring something to the table. There have been a number of changes in the field of education as well as informational technology and societal changes. You and your age group bring a freshness and awareness, suggestions that I may not have. Example, I really like your goals of “access, voice, action and bridging the future”. That says it all very simply yet elegant. Thanks for those comments, I will place them in memory and bring them out occasionally.
I have the same concerns as you do about scholarly writing and research. This is something I’ve been away from personally for quite awhile because unless you are presenting academic papers, most presentations to the various associations and educational meetings are more business writing and presentation. You are not alone in spending many, many hours trying to ensure originality, correct APA etc. I also think discussion is the core of any online course and especially for adult learners who seek social interaction as well as academic challenge. You seem to me to be on the right track and I agree with your advice regarding priorities. I missed a lot of my children's school events when in my 30's sitting in a night Master's class. I still regret that, but when my daughter started work on her master's with children at home she commented that she survived my not being there all the time and I proved going back to school at her age could be done successfully. So, whether you have children or not you are an inspiration to someone.
The challenges I have of being an adult learner are the time management. My career is taking off and I have a lot of projects that are getting national attention so I need to make sure they are getting the attention needed to be successful. This is a time that is essential to the success of my professional future. I also have the time management of having two young children and making sure they are the priority of my life.
The biggest joy I have at this age is the role model of my children. My 4 year knows what I am doing and the importance of education. I also enjoy that I made the decision now rather than later to finish my doctorate degree.
My hopes are that I will end my education and will continue to learn. As fast as higher education is advancing, we also need to keep up with the trends.
My advice to make sure you have a family support system in place before starting back to school. There is a high need for time management and this includes time away from the family at times or late nights. My time is spent in the classroom usually from 9:30 pm - 1:00 am. You also need to know how the degree will assist you in your life. Besides your career, what is it going to do for you personally. This is where it makes you fell good of accomplishment.
Response to Katie Peppers:
I can relate to the issue of time management. I think that the struggles of time management is a common theme for most age groups. Its about balancing all the things we have to do and not feeling guilty when something does not get checked off the list. I had to learn to be realistic with my daily schedule.
Kim
Response to Myra Bozeman:
I am in the 40-49 group and I understand about the feelings of guilt when trying to juggle so many things. However, at my age I am now learning how to let go of the guilt and appreciate all that I can accomplish in a day. It is liberating to not feel guilty if a task is not complete. I had to realie that I am human and while I try to be, I am not Superwoman.
Kim
I believe that time is a big factor for most of the individuals who commented on the blog. I think with so many demands on each of us as mothers, fathers, students, and workers it is hard to find a balance and to fit in the required time needed to apply ourselves to studying and absorbing the course material.
Sherzard
I believe some of the main challenges of being a learner at my age are the responsibilities of life that I cannot afford to neglect. Some of these include children, husband, and a full-time job. All of these things are very time consuming. Along with school, I am not sure how I am still sane. I guess it is most difficult for me to find a balance between everything.
The joys of being a learner at my age are that I am mature enough to recognize the importance of a higher education and appreciate that this is a priviledge to be able to continue my education among the many other challenges that life brings.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner are to never stop learning and to use the knowledge that I will have acquired to work and be successful as an instructor of higher education.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to never give up on your hopes and dreams and make the best of every situation whether they are "good" or "bad."
Grant,
I agree that in life there are hurdles and as we approach each one, we must be ready to leap over it with zeal and fervor. I think having a family makes leaping over those hurdles easier and worthwhile. Every time I think about giving up or putting my education on hold, I look at my family and remember why I am doing this. Not just for myself but to show my children that nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it, have faith in the higher power, and work hard!
The challenges of being a learner at my age of 38 can be numerous. For myself I have to joggle being a wife, mother, daughter, work, school and friends. I always have something to do. The demands of having a family are over whelming at times with having four sons ranging from 19, 15, 9 and 3. I am tied down with activities, school functions and family time. At the same time I have to allow wife time to ensure that my husband and I are maintaining our love for each other. But now that I am in school it is requiring me time so that I can focus and achieve my goal of earning my Ed D. Now all of this happens with the few hours that I have outside of work. Being at work 40+ hours each week it doesn’t allow a whole lot of time to get all my other demands done. This even includes the time I spend with friends which has slowed up lot.
Some of the joys of being a learner at my age start with my joy to learn. I am happy that education has evolved to online learning. I don’t believe I would be taking advantage on earning my degree if I wasn’t able to achieve it online. I have a joy of being able to share what I know with others.
My hope for the next decade is with my degree from Walden is to be teaching. As a teacher I will be able to share my knowledge with students and also learn from them as well. I’m sure I will continue to acquire more classes to continue my desire to learn.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to do it for you. You definitely want to have your priorities together so that you are able to focus. At this age in an individual’s life you may have many challenges that might discourage you from wanting to go school. Don’t allow your challenges to become obstacles for you learning.
Response to Grant
I wanted to comment on a post in your age group since, at 40, I'm just leaving it. It's interesting that I am still experiencing many of the same challenges and joys of learning that you mentioned in your blog, such as caring for young children and dealing with the tasks of life in general.
Something that caught my eye is your mention of obtaining your terminal degree before you turned 40. I pushed myself to complete my education in my 30's as well, but, with difficult pregnancies, that didn't happen.
When I lamented to my mother (who obtained her PhD at 63) about not achieving my goal, she told me gray hairs make for better advanced professionals. What the heck does that mean???...I said. She said, you'll see.
Now, working in the field of adult education in nursing, I realize what she was getting at. There seems to be a positive correlation with a faculty's age and the respect they command from the students. I find myself often having to set boundaries with my students because they try to relate to me as a "pal".
Another instructor, who is 55 years old, never has to deal with that issue...she is definitely not considered a "pal"! A mentor, yes. A guide, certainly. But never a pal!
I think age definitely has advantages in the field of adult education!
Thank you for your blog!
Alex Winter
The challenges of being a learner at your age
Like many on this blog, I find that time management is the biggest challenge of being a learner at my age. I don't have a spouse or children that compete with my time as an adult learner, but I work very long hours and I have many "life obstacles" that constantly come my way that produce a lot of stress and affect my studies. I also struggle with the fact that I do not yet have a career in my field of choice (Higher Education). In fact, I do not have (nor have I ever had) a career in ANY field. To be my age and still working dead-end jobs and pursuing a career that gives me personal and professional fulfillment is a big challenge that affects me as an adult learner.
The joys of being a learner at your age
Looking back, I don't think I could have pursued a doctoral degree in my 20's or maybe even my early 30's. As I enter my mid-thirties, I feel I am more focused, mature, and patient than before, and I believe these are essential skills needed to pursue a doctoral degree online. Also, I actually enjoy learning now-something I don't think I would have said If I were pursuing this degree ten years ago.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I hope to be a major contributer in the advancement of adult learning as an administrator and an educator. I am a life-long learner, and I hope to continue to be actively involved in learning for my personal and professional growth and development.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
Do not take life for granted. People in their 20's often have a cavalier attitude when it comes to their lives. They believe they have all the time in the world to achieve their goals and getting their lives in order. Those who have that attitude may find themselves 10 years and no career later wondering where the time went.
To Dianah,
Hang in there! You have the right perspective and seem to be trying for balace in your life. As much pressure as you have you still try to find time for yourself. I applaud you for that and only hope I can learn that. see you at graduation! You're going to make it!
Cheryl
Hi Candi
I am very interested in your difinition of your learning sytle in which you describe your self as being a part of the marginal group and your plans to be a voice for this group. I remember being in my thirties, enjoy the journey.
You appear to have everything mapped out. You have even made preparation for what happens when things don't go as planned. Good job!!
Hi Katie,
You have taken on a tremendous responsibility for someone who I consider to be so young. I applaud you for taking on this additional challenge of getting your doctorate degree. I would always suggest that you make your children and their activities your priority. You only get this chance once. I was somewhat disappointed in your plans of not going on to higher education. I think that you would be a excellent candidate.
I feel the challenges I have as a learner do not stem from my age, but rather my position in life. My career is very demanding, usually working 6-7 days a week and not uncommonly 10 hour days. I feel that actually benefitting from my education rather than just completing assignments is the most frustrating thing I experience.
I find that I take joy in learning new things because I have some life and career experiences. It makes my education so much more valuable when I have the opportunity to associate new learning with my goals and aspirations.
I hope that as I continue on with my career and education I never stop learning. My goal is to become a college or university professor my belief is that it is invaluable to keep learning and continue to understand the position of the college student. Students evolve and professors that are most successful connect to the student and care about their learning as opposed to caring exclusively about the material being taught.
As people enter my decade as learner I would advise they think about their goals and what they want to accomplish. I would also recommend they use life experience as a foundation for learning. I feel there is no substitute for experience. The advantage to learning in your thirties is you have enough life experience to make your education more valuable.
As a 30-39 year old learner, I have had to make adjustments to align with the goals of others in my immediate family. That often means adjusting my reading and online times. I have a daughter who is actively involved in dance and has weekly performances coupled with practice 3 times per week. I have managed to utilize technology to complete my assignments. i purchased a mobile wireless USB adapter to gain access to the web and work in my car while waiting on her to complete practices, it has been challenging but doable because I want this to end with a positive outcome.
I am a 30 year old, full-time educator, and the single mother of a one year-old daughter. So it is not a surprise that time management would be the foremost challenge that comes to mind. Time management causes adult learners to either succeed (good time management) or fail (poor time management). However, the success or failure rate also depends on individual motivation. Adult learners must have motivation if they are going to achieve success.
When people in my age group were in our teens, or before gaining “real” responsibility, we just did whatever came to mind and thought about the outcome or consequences of our actions later. Adult learners must think more rationally. Adult learners must cogitate over thoughts and ideas thoroughly and weigh out the pros and cons of the situation. Adult learners are motivated by our need to succeed and be the best providers for our families.
I noted that in reading the responses of others some of the main factors concerning adult learners are: time management, employment, and caring for the family. I also noticed that every age group is faced with the same concerns. No one seems to have an actual solution or magic cure to approaching these concerns.
In response to Levinson’s theory, I believe that I am between the stages of early adulthood and middle adulthood. I am not young enough to be plagued by outside influences, but I am not old enough to be settled into my own ways or customs (become a creature of habit).
Reply to Grant:
I agree that many learners in your age group struggle with family obligations. I am in my late 20's. I do not have any children yet. I see lots of fellow students struggling with time management and prioritizing related to having a family and family responsibilities. It is definitely managable. Prioritizing, time management, and keeping a positive attitude is the key to success.
Reply to Gudewich:
You mentioned technology challenges. In elementary, middle, and high school I had the opportunity to use computer. Most of what I utilized was a word processor. Technology has advanced so much over the past 10 years (since high school graduation) that I honestly feel behing in technology. I think that the advances in technology are great, but I struggle teaching myself to use the technology. I need to spend more time learning the new technology and programs that are available.
As a 35 year old, I have little challenges compared to my other contemporaries. I do have a home, husband and I teach but decided never EVER to have children. I helped raise two step-daughters and that was a life altering experience.
In an odd way, similar to others, I do have the minor challenge of balancing my schooling with that of work. My schedule is one that begins at 4:50 AM. It is important for me to exercise six days a week and preparing well balanced meals as my source of energy. I proceed to work. I am constantly teaching, grading and designing meaningful lessons. I do not have a planning period. By the time I get home, I cook for my husband and me and take care of things around the home. I am exhausted physically and mentally....Having to combat this feeling is quite difficult.
My joys of being a learner at my age is the mere fact that I am engaged in learning, thinking and reflection. I have always loved to learn. I am interested in knowing a little something about every topic....even car mechanics. I think the joys of learning, at any age, is one that is personal and a part of one's character.
My hopes in the following years as a learner is to proceed with another degree or use what I have learned, instill it into others who venturing through my same avenue and in turn learn from them....Learning at any age is never-ending!
People who are entering into a process of education, at this age level, should first contemplate if they really want to enter the process of reading, writing, probing, reflection, and a little stress. They should really question the aspect of balancing school, work, home and all the other adult responsibilities. The other question is "do you really like to learn or do you have a desire to expand your mind?" If yes to this last question...then everything else will fall into place.
Posted by Ibanez at 11:16 AM
Age: 39
The biggest challenge with education and learning at this stage of the game is of course - time management. I have been married for 18 years and have two boys - 11yrs. and 13 yrs. I stayed home for the first 10 years of motherhood and went back to school for my teaching certification once they were in school and things have not slowed down since. My husband works from home most of the time (thank God!) which I think makes it possible to keep our house running like a well oiled machine. My boys are busy with their own things and I teach full time plus have been taking at least six credits every sememster for the past 5 years. Being a learner at this age brings many intrinsic joys. I love my own kids seeing the value of education and I love learning more and more. My hopes for the next decade is to finally be finished taking grad. classes. I think I have overdone it for awhile. As far as advice for people entering academic learning? I think the biggest thing is to prioritize! My family comes first, job second, and classes third. As long as I keep sight of this, my stress level stays low.
One of the challenges of being a learner at my age is the lack of life experience that I have compared to others in my degree program. The lack of experience has put me at a disadvantage with the level of analysis and reflection that I provide. According to Daloz (1999), “we grow through engaging with the world, changing and being changed by it” (p. 64). Throughout my educational journey I believe that experience has increased my critical thinking and scholarly writing skills, but most of all through life experience I have learned that things are not black and white, absolutely right or wrong, but various shades of gray.
The joy of being a learner at my age is that I have many years ahead of me to explore these new avenues of learning and become a leader in my field. By starting the doctorate program early in adulthood there will be time to explore various topics, conduct research and write scholarly articles.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner are to increase my knowledge base and continue to explore and develop skills that I can implement in the classroom. Like most educators I believe that learning is a lifelong process. Over the next decade I would like to make an impact on the education of undergraduate students through the research, development and implementation of an educational program.
Some advice for people who are entering their 30’s as a learner are to set your goals and priorities early. Know what you want to accomplish before you enter a program. Set short term and long term goals for yourself. You must know how to manage your time. Set aside specific hours each day to read scholarly articles, research information, and complete assignments. Make your education a priority. You get just as much out of a class as what you put in.
References:
Daloz, L. A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners (Rev. ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Inc.
Age 32
The Challenges
The challenges I face being a learner at my age are two fold “Controlled” and “Uncontrolled”. My controlled challenges are family and employment. Even though they are controlled, I have to make sure I set priorities and keep my obligations. If I get too wrapped up in my school work by not following proper time management, I can easily start neglecting my wife and start performing poorly on the job. My uncontrolled challenge is strictly medical. As a kidney patient, I do treatments at home in the evenings and sometimes I do not have the energy to do any late night reading or studying. Currently, I am thankful enough not to have any problems with my treatment, but in the event I do have my moment, it can clearly set me back in my learning.
The Joys
There are many joys I have being a learner. I am a 32 year old pursuing the Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Adult Learning. I have been working in the field of higher education since 2001; therefore, I am comfortable and happy in my choice. The curriculum designed for my program is closely related to my experience in higher education. The flexibility of the program is another joy that I can appreciate for my age range.
My Hopes
I hope to gain more valuable knowledge to apply to my day to day activities at work and at home. I also hope to foster better time management skills as a learner. Moreover, I hope to be able to utilize the critical thinking principles learned in my degree program to apply to my instruction so that I can teach other learners to become critical thinkers. Overall, I hope to gain experience and knowledge to bring about social change to my place of employment and community.
My Advice
The advice I have for the people entering this decade as a learner is:
• Stay Focused (Enter your program of choice with the end in mind and be committed to your program)
• Establish Time Management (Make sure you plan equally for family, work and school. Follow your schedule daily and make necessary adjustments when emergencies arise.)
• Adhere to Constructive Criticism (Learning from your instructor and classmates is beneficial in developing your overall skills as a facilitator of knowledge)
• Utilize the University Resources (The institution offers a plethora of resources to aid in successful learning i.e. Writing Center, University Library, and Online Forums)
• Establish Goals for each Course (Write out the things you want to accomplish and mark the goal off upon completion)
Hello everyone, my name is Caren and I am 32. Like many age groups I feel we all face most of the same challenges when it comes learning after undergrade. We all struggle with family responsibilites, time management, work responsibilities and personal time. But the joy for most of us is learning more that what we all ready know and become those lifelong learners that we strive to be. My hopes for the next decade as a learner is simple like everyone else to complete this program. My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to never give up. At times you may feel like "what have I got myself into, or is this for me" but don't second guess yourself. You are going in the right direction even if it seems hard to balance family, work, and personal life it can be done. Just believe in yourself and fight for your education.
I wish everyone in every decade the best of luck and success.
Caren
The biggest challenge of being a learner at this age is trying to balance my family, home, work, and life! I have a four year old and a five month old, I live and am responsible for a 15 acre horse farm, and I am currently a full time college professor working on her ED.d degree! Time management and organization are key to my success.
Learning at any age is a joy to me. I love seeking, researching, and learning new information. I also know that all this hard work will someday pay off. The thought of having Dr. in front of my name some day brings me great joy.
My hopes for the next decade are to continue my education and research so that I am even closer to my degree. As the world around us changes, I hope to continue finding and researching new methods in teaching that I can use to better my own classes.
My advice to anyone beginning their education at this age is to look at the end goal at all times. Life can become overwhelming and there will be times you feel like quitting. KEEP GOING! Learn to manage your time and acquire great organizational skills. With a little patience, management, understanding and support from family and friends, you WILL achieve your goal.
Age 34:
There is only one major challenge that I face in learning at my age. That would be trying to find the time to get all of the work complete. I don't have a family, but I do work three jobs. I find it quite difficult some weeks to get all of the reading done and if we have a big assignment due, I struggle some weeks to get it complete on time.
The joys of learning at 34 are great though. I find that my mind set about learning is different. My social life now takes a back seat to my learning where years ago in my early adult stage, my social life would have taken precedence. Another joy of learning at age 34 is the advancement in technology. The days of sitting in a classroom to learn are not always the best option for learners in today's society. I am thankful for how far technology has moved forward and for the opportunity to learn online.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner are to continue learning. I will never be too old to learn and I look forward to how much further technology is going to advance. My hopes are that when I am in a university/college setting, is that I will be able to keep up with technology. I will continue to seek out professional development so that I am staying current and finding ways to alter tried and true learning theories.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to make sure that your technology skills are above average. Learners also need to have faith in themselves and try something new, such as an online arena. Learners need to make sure that they have good time management skills. It is so easy for life to take over, and if your time management skills are not adequate, then the work will not get done. Also, having a good support system in place is key too. Those who can and are willing to help out will be important to help reach your goals of success.
The challenges of being a learner at 38.
I have a four year old daughter who has quite an active life and sometimes it's challenging managing my time, but I presume that will still be the case when she turns 14 but luckily I will have completed this program. It's really the managing of the time with your routine life activities and school but it was my decision to make this move and with aging I've developed perseverance.
The joys of being a learner at 38.
At this point in my life everything that I learn coincides with my career and enhances my skills at work. Also I see possible opportunities for career growth and monetary gains.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
I am a life-long learner. Therefore I will be teaching and learning in some capacity. I want to always be informed with our ever-changing world.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner.
It is important to manage your time wisely and effectively. Moreover having the drive and mindset that your learning is beneficial for you will build your confidence within yourself to reach your goals.
A few challenges of being a learner at my age are time management, focus, and discipline. It seems at times there is not enough time in the day to get everything done. Even with pre-scheduled time for class, when I read the assignments then review the resources…it just seems like a lot. I really appreciate all of the resources but at times it seems as though I don’t benefit from all of the resources then the assignment seems overwhelming because I feel like I am missing something.
One of the joys of being a learner at my age is freedom. I enjoy having the freedom to complete my assignments when I can schedule the time to complete them. If I didn’t have access to the online university, it would be impossible for me to complete the advanced degree program.
My hope for the next decade as a learner is to use the knowledge that I’ve attained and to continue to value the importance of staying informed.
My advice to people who are entering my decade as a learner is master being discipline and focused on your goals. It is wise to be open and willing to listen to your advisors and mentors. Also, to use the resources that you are given but realize you don’t have to use all of them.
I am 34 years old and I feel that there is an increase in stress at my age because of the way that society is for a single woman. At my age there are issues with working two jobs to make ends meet as well as going to school. I feel that I need to maintain a somewhat social life as well. There are more life changing events going on in my life. Most people are less interested in learning and going back to school also.
Some of the joys that I experience at my age are the fact that I am able to learn from my life experiences. I have a flexible schedule with the choice of an online university. My studies now have a purpose and are more meaningful. My goals for life and education are more clearer now.I am now more driven because of my age and wisdom.
I aspire to be a professor after finishing school. I plan to educate other adults and make their learning experiences positive and successful. I want to try to ease the learning process for future adult learners.
The advice that I would give to adult learners would be to make the best decision that they can on the type of learning environment that best fits their lifestyle and needs. This may be an online university or the traditional, on campus. I advise future adult learners to know what it is that they aspire to do in life before they start school. Research many different schools before making such an important decision on where to attend.
Response to anitadb_2k,
I enjoyed reading your post and found your comments and dedication inspiring. You are a pillar of strength and a role model. You should be very proud of your accomplishments.
I'm 40 and face the same struggles as far as others not pursuing advanced degrees. Aside my colleagues at Walden, I often wonder who else understands my struggles and aspirations.
Like you, I also want to have maintain a social life, but struggle with managing time between family, work and school. I'm realizing that quality time is more important than quantity. Therefore, I make time for short breaks and also use that time as reflection.
Stay strong and focused.
Rhonda Suggs
My biggest challenges are definitely my family and my work. I often find it difficult to balance my workload and my courseload with my family, so one of them ends up coming up short.
I love learning and I always have, therfore I don't forsee this changing with age. I only find that the topics that interest me vary. As I expand my career and raise my children I find that my interests lean toward making a social change for children which is what has prompted my pursuit of furthering my education.
In the next decade I only hope to complete my doctorate and continue to share my knowledge with early childhood teachers. It is my hope that my education will make me a more efficient trainer and educator.
My advice for anyone entering this decade of learning would be to keep an open and optimistic mind to all information that comes forth. Learning can be an amazing experience, but the education you recieve is only as good as the quaestions you ask.
The challenges to being a learner at my age are just finding balance. Balance needs to include working full time; raising children, working on my doctoral work, and finding time for myself and family do have some time to relax. It is possible but requires the learner to say no to some things and have family support in your endeavors.
The joys of being a learner at my age are appreciation for my education and the flexibility to complete my degree from my home or wherever I may be. Convenience is pertinent at this time in my life! Convenience is the only way that I would be able to do what I need to do in order to achieve educational and personal goals.
My hopes for the next decade of being a learner at my age are to complete my program before this decade is over. I have a couple of years left and would like to complete this program before I am 40 years old. I am turning 38 in a month, so time is of the essence.
Advice for people entering my decade as a learner includes setting boundaries of time limits. You cannot work yourself to the bone and never find time for you. It will cause burnout and you most likely would quit. It requires dedication, inner strength, confidence in yourself to do it and support from other learners, your instructors, family and friends and lastly I believe prayer is the most precious gift of all. Prayer is a guiding force and provides that inner strength and confidence to succeed.
In response to Grant, I belong to the 20-29 age group. You mention in your blog that your children are a great source of motivation. I'm sure this is true! I don't have children yet but I wonder how you're able to balance their schedules as well as yours. Sometimes I struggle just to get myself out of the house on time and complete my assignments.
The challenges of being a learner at age 36.
The challenges of being a learner at age 36 can be challenging at times. The biggest challenge is balancing my time. My job is somewhat of an issue because it is so time consuming. I would love to spend more time with my five year old daughter. However, instead, I find myself calling her to explain that I’m going to be late yet again. Many times when I do get home, I have just enough time to give both of us a bath, briefly play with her, follow through with a bedtime story, and put her to bed. I really enjoy learning and expressing my views, but sometime wonder when I will find the time and energy to get everything done.
There are many joys to being a learner at my age as well. Now that I have a few years in the field, that gives me a plethora of experience to pull from. When I read of a theory or theorist, I can honestly think of the numerous theories that I have used or have witnessed others used, and make objective decisions why my new found knowledge might be a better way of doing things. Being a learner at my age is wonderful because I am still in the mode of seeking new and better ideas. I am constantly looking for better and more advanced ways of helping others. Unfortunately, many times when people have been in education for some time, they start to feel burnt out. I’m not there yet, and hope I never get there. I want to always have a burning desire to learn something new within a field that does so much good for others.
My hope for the next decade as a learner is that I will be able to get the most out of my doctorate degree. In the midst of creating new learning environments for adults, I want to also be able to learn from others. I hope to surround myself with others who share my desire to grow mentally. I realize that I will have years of experience to share with other educators. I am looking forward to expounding upon the knowledge that I can gather from them as well.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to prioritize your time and enjoy the learning experience. Often times I feel stressed. I self-evaluate, and try to figure out what I can do differently. Many times, it is something as simple as redirecting my “free” time to be quality time. Unfortunately, when I start feeling this way, I get less pleasure in completing my assignments and less pleasure when interacting with my peers. Therefore, the best advice that I can give people who are entering my decade as a learner is to come up with a schedule of your time and try to stick to it. This will definitely make your learning experience more pleasant.
Linda Crim
Response to waldenu:
Just keep your priorities straight and you will be fine. Your are very fortunate that your husband can take care of the house and doesn't mind you working elsewhere.
It is good that he can spend time with the boys.
An intgeresting fact is that your boys will observe your involvement in education and pattern themselves after it. A great example. You may have "overdone it" but it will pay dividends in the future.
to elizabeth gatz.
It is refreshing that the other thirty somethings have the same concerns as me, balancing my family, career, and school; but you touch on my major concern which is am I missing the "good" times with my children.
I know that my education is important and I certainly enjoy the learning process, but with three children 11, 6, and 3 I often feel like I am missing the best of them.
I hope that this education will lead to better career opportunities so that I can provide even more opportunities for them. That will make it all worth it, but I will still wonder if I have missed something irreplaceable.
Age: 38
The challenge of being a learner at my age is working through the technology. I have found that I am not as technology savvy as I thought I was. The lack of time for homework , family, and career is part of everyday life.
The joy of being a learner at my age is having the ability to learner. Learning in itself is joyful. I try and learn something new every day, not necessarily in school, but in life.
My hope for the next decade as a learner is that I continue to find new understanding for what I already know.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is realize in this step you will find new truths to old answers and keep an open mind when you find these answers.
The challenges of being a learner at your age:
For me, my greatest challenge is finding time. Between school, work, and family, I find it a constant struggle to devote adequate time to each.
The joys of being a learner at your age
For me, my greatest joy is being able to apply what I've learned to my career. When I was a traditional learner, I felt that I had few life experiences to draw from. Today, I have nearly 20 years in higher education and I have numerous life lessons to pull from. With this, I feel that my program has more meaning for me.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade is to finish my doctoate and become Provost at my University. We are seeing rapid growth and I've loved playing a part in that transformation. As Provost, I can play a more pivotal role in shaping the future of our institution and the programs and services that we offer.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My best advice is to be patient, don't stress, and know that all of the hard work will pay off in the end.
Response to Sharanza
I enjoyed your post and share with you, even though I am almost two decades older, that we both have a passion for learning. You will always want to learn. With this age of learning new technology, you will have a desire to further your personal growth and development toward education. It is essential to not lose site of your goals and remember you have something to contribute to siciety. You too have a place in this age of technology.
The challenges of being a learner at age 38:
The challenges I face as a learner at my age include balancing the time to take care of my family (teenage daughter,parents, and several pets), maintain a career in education, engage in church and volunteer activities, work a second job with the City of Jackson, and pursue an Ed.D Degree in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
The joys of being a learner at age 38:
Since I am a lifelong learner, I am excited about continuing my education. I feel that the more I learn, the more I can contribute to the greater good of society.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner:
In the next ten years, I hope to continue my career in education. As a classroom teacher of 17 years, I feel that I can offer novice teachers a wealth of guidance as they begin their careers in education. Thus, after I obtain the Ed.D, I would love to teach instructional methods courses on the college level or to work as a Director of School Success in the Jackson-Madison County School System.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner:
1. Set achievable goals.
2. Use all of your time wisely "Work smart"
3. Stay motivated-never give up.
4. Embrace diversity.
5. Have fun!
Age: 32
The challenges of being an adult learner are balancing my life as a newlywed and mother to an 8 month old son. Trying to balance family, school and work is stressful because all those components require an enormous amount of my time. With a young son who is obligated to a majority of your time, I sometimes get burned out before I can devote my time to the other aspects of my personal life.
I have always been the type of person who enjoys learning and gaining in new ideas and perspectives so that I can advance myself as a professional. Life is an ever learning process and in order to be comfortable in life and in my career I feel the need to always educate myself and dialog with other professional working parents about the creative ways to fulfill my passion to educate others.
Within the next decade, my goals is to complete all of my educational goals to include having a doctorate degree and advance my career in the field of adult education by working with the rural adult population. I have a passion to enhance there working skills, self sufficiency and economic growth among the rural population. In working in a rural district, you oversee the struggles rural adults inherit because they lack the knowledge to improve their life style because the opportunities are limited. I feel they should be afforded the chance to break the cycle of having a low expectancy to advance themselves as working adults.
My advice for learners within my age range is to balance your life between family, work and academic careers. Maintain a positive support system for encouragement. Make sure you are strong enough to handle the stressors in your life to continue your academic goals and duties. Most importantly, have a spiritual connection so that you can have an outlet to express emotions in a healthy way.
Its look like the common challenge for most adult learners at any age is time management. We are living the life in a rush with so little time for ourselves to pursue our dreams. It is a reality and we must be aware to not let time management issues keep us from our goals.
Regards,
Griselle
Hello sharanza,
I understand what you are learning coincides with your career and enhances your skills at work. You also see possible opportunities for career growth and monetary gains. This is typical for your age group. According to Levinson (as cited in Daloz, 1999) at this age group, people who return to school see the value of education not to gain a new status, but as a way as a way to achieve career goals or as a way to develop the newly discovered inner self. You also care for your child with your hopes and expectations. The significant task is to perpetuate culture and transmit values of the culture through the family. Erikson observed that in your age group, people tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding their families.
References:
Daloz, L. (1999). Mentor (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson
Thank you.
Abdelmonem
Reply to Ibanez:
It would appear that many of us at ANY age find shere joy in learning. I must confess that I often expereince "senoir moments," and wonder if my brain will continue to work. It seems that many of us find the challenges of career and continuing education a time management issue. I admire your commitment to exercise and eating right - I confess that is sometning I aspire to, but tend to let go of in a time crunch.
You have the blessing of time and more career ahead than behind. Your love of learning will never let you down, wherever your jouirney takes you. One bit of advice that I received from a mentor during my master's work; fininsh this part of the journey, then focus on the next step...
Blessings!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the post from this age group. Although I am somewhat older than you all to see that we all still share some of the same issues and joys is quite interesting. I hope that we all are able to learn something from each other, take what we've learned and are learning and use it to benefit us all while we are on our journey to earning our doctorate.
Marian
The challenges of being a learner at my age is simple. I have so much to do and not enough time to complete all there is to do. I am a husband and father and have I have a second job. Online learning was the best option for me, becuase it gave me a chance to work at night and possibly at work. Having a place at home to work on my classwork was sort of a problem and I have to go the public library many times just to have good lighting and quietness.
I love reading and learning, but wish I could make it a major priority of my day.
I do enjoy the flexibility and time with my children being an online learner and I also can show my family how to juggle work, play, and class all while trying to become more successful.
For the next decades, I hope to have a better hold on online learning and posibly become an online professor and I wish that I can be as innovative as the professors are now to make class fun and enjoyable, yet a learning place.
My advice for others that are entering this learning process, make time in your schedule and don't procrastinate. Take the time to read others work/post and you will too feel right at home. In addition to preparing for class online. Make sure you have an undisturbed place with plenty of space and lighting to be successful.
F.Green,
You stated that you can't find success right now in your own experiences right now due to business.
I feel about the same and constantly question myself about what is best. I continue to focus on the future and my ultimate goals, but wade slowly in the water of trouble and challenges.
I do understand and know that the challenges will be behind me soon, thus I try my best to remain positive and continue to learn from people like yourself and see that I am not alone.
NCHAH,
stated that According to Erikson, the strength of these two groups 30-39 and 40-49 are similar and these groups of people survive through care of others and production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, which he calls generativity.
I can sometimes not see how and why I am introducing myself to the challenges of learning more and adding stress to my already complicated life. I felt that I wanted to learn more and be a life long learner, but my challenges of family and career are always pressing. I know that I must follow my goals and dreams, thus being a family man, I hope that they can see the sacrifices that Iam making and they too will be better and continue the fight.
Hello Tynisa,
According to the Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson, members in your age group try to find mutually
satisfying relationships, primarily through marriage and
friends. Yet, you have established your family earlier that what is expected to your age group who don't start their families until their late thirties. You are successful in your stage.
On the other hand, being ahead of your of our developmental stage might be the reason that you are being faced with the challenge of trying to balance your time between your family, work, and school. I could see that you are going through and experiencing an age group that is a decade older than yours. Despite the challenges that you might be facing at this time, I believe that the whole experience will be rewarding. According to your goal, by the next decade you will have a flourishing career in the field of education, your well established family, and your well deserved doctorate degree.
Keep up the hope and the good work.
Reference:
Harder, A. (2002). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Support for Change. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from http://www.support4change.com/stages/cycles/Erikson.html.
Thank you.
Abdelmonem
Mlstroh, I could not agree with you more that completing your education now will provide you with time when your children get older than they are now and that they need your presense, support and guidence. life is about choices and the choices you make now can make life easier or harder depending on your priorities.
It is also true that a doctorate degree will allow you to advance in your career and allow you to be knowledgeable enough to guide others who will look up to you for assiatance, for examlple mentoring.
You obviously have hit the nail on the head when you talked about balancing time. In order for one to succeed in this journey, time management is key.
I see you are on your way to bigger and better things in life.God bless you in you endevours.
According to Erikson's Developmental stages, you are either in Young or Middle Adulthood. Most find companionship and love, friends and are raising their families during the Young Adulthood stage. I was one of those who had my children in my early and mid 30's, so my stages, like many of you, are also pushed back a bit. I fyou are in your Middle Adulthood, you are interested in creative and meaningful work. I see this reflected in so many posts, especially when posting about where you want to be in 10 years. Most want to be teaching others and helping others. Teaching is creative and helping others has so much meaning. Having a terminal degree also provides stability and security, which Erikson also included as needs to the middle adult.
I have noticed a few trends from reading the posts. It seems that Know one is going to school after 70 and posting comments. also, the 20-29 age group has an average number but maybe these people are still in school and never stopped, starting family and its not the right time to go back to school, to simply on a break to enjoy life. I also took a look at the number of comments in each age group and them rise and fall like a bell curve. Also, the issues of each age group are different. Most 20-29 yr old students are starting family and still working on their career goals. Older people are returning to school with major challenges about computer and deal energy to complete it. The middle age group seems to have a lot of responsibilities and school is another added one. Furthermore, I think that the developmental stages of Erick Erikson say it all to describe all of our challenges. For example, some theories believe people simply go though stages in life. Well I believe life is more like cycle and a person has many opportunities to get something right or correct a wrong choice.
Dear Mlstroh,
I know you have minimum challenges because you are young and everything looks good whenit comes to concentration.It is true family responsiblities can be challenging but you can always make it because we are told to attain anything,we can go round the obstcles.
You have good hopes and i must second you on that.Grab all the degrees you need as early as this and encourage all to go for it despite age.
The challenges of being a learner at my age include the following:
I am neither a computer nor an internet wizard. Failing to navigate my way through worries me. Worse, in winter, the weather conditions can get quite stormy, so the servers go down and the internet connection cuts off for days in a row. What do I do then? Also, I live in a country that, unfortunately, has no public libraries. The private ones are located on university campuses and are restricted to institutional use. This might lead to a shortage in resources, and so far I count mainly on what Walden or online databases offer. But when there is a will, there is a way.
Another concern is related to my personal and professional life. I work full time as a university instructor. My contract requires that I fulfill 40 hours a week: 22.5 teaching hours in addition to 17.5 office and writing assistance hours. I have a three-year old daughter that takes much my time when I am home, which is natural. But the most demanding aspect is my social life. I am Lebanese, and my people are known for their hospitable and open-home nature; as part of my culture, I am expected to entertain anytime someone feels like popping up. I do have considerate friends but when it comes to family members—the older generation—I have to reset my priorities and make them feel I am still as available as I have always been. Moreover, it is a man’s world where a woman is weighed down by many marital responsibilities: cooking, managing a house, raising kids, entertaining guests, etc. The pressure here lies in the fact that I study long hours late every night as well as on weekends (48 hours in a row to catch up sometimes!) to balance among family, work, study, duties, entertainment, and other.
The joys of being a learner at my age prevail over the above challenges. I am blossoming academically as I acquire new knowledge, develop my teaching skills, remedy weaknesses, and improve strengths. Additionally, it is idyllic to indulge in countless cross-cultural insights by learning along with doctoral candidates from different parts of the world; I am enjoying the process of enhancing myself from their wide experiences and diverse backgrounds. I am flourishing professionally too knowing I shall soon earn a title that would allow me to progress at work and have more autonomy in implementing approaches that address my students’ needs. But the greatest joy is being able to pursue a doctorate and at the same time raise my daughter in a convenient environment with no restrictions that could hazard my daytime job duties. With my time management skills and the flexibility of the program, I am coping quite well. I love every moment of my chaotic life! I know the rewards will be worth it.
My hopes for the next decade are not incredibly clear yet. I do know, however, that in two years, I will have finished the doctorate but only for a new journey to begin. It is going to be an expedition of publications. This is because in my country a doctorate is not valued unless it is accompanied by a minimum of three (the average is five) publications based on extensive research sponsored by an educational institution of a good status. Therefore, there is a lot awaiting me and earning the degree will not be an end but a beginning.
My advice to those who are entering my decade as learners is as follows: (1) Work on your communication skills; it is a key factor in a doctoral study. (2) Manage your time wisely; every minute will become valuable. (3) Be a team player and share experiences, beliefs, thoughts, and insights; you’ll learn from such collaboration more than you would from textbooks. (4) Research and read. (5) Accept cultural or other forms of differences and use them to empower you because your understanding of them shall one day have a great bearing on your students’ education. (6) Finally, enjoy every moment, keep off things that stress you out, and find soul mates to accompany you through your long yet exhilarating, glorious voyage.
If I can do it, so can you!
The challenges of being a learner at the age of 39
The challenges of being a learner at the age of 39 are balancing my personal and professional obligations. I am newly married with a 20 year old, and a 2 year old. There is never enough time in the day to do absolutely everything. Sometimes, I feel as if life is passing me by. I often journal and take pictures so that I can reflect as often as I’d like on old and new experiences and places that I have seen. I look forward to sharing these experiences with my children and grandchildren someday.
The joys of being a learner at the age of 39
Being an adult learner at the age of 39 has helped me to understand who I really am as a mature, functional, and contributing individual. I am excited about the future and look forward to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Your hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope for the next decade is to teach at an upper level institution. I would appreciate the opportunity to give back to other adult learns who think that their possibilities in life are limited. Nothing is impossible..
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
My advice to people who are entering my decade as l earner is to refresh oneself as often as it is humanly possible. Schedule a time to pull away from the studies and smell the roses, take long walks, or enjoy a favorite cup cappuccino. Pursing a doctorate degree is not an overnight process. Staying alive in the studies may very well mean putting them down every now and then.
Response to rtapia post to Grant
rtapia thank you so much for your post. I appreciate your posture on pursuing a doctrate degree it does affect the entire family. I had to learn the hard way.It is very difficult to do with out support from your family-particularly those family members who live in the same home as you do.
Hi John Hedrick,
Thank you for your post. I am sure your words will inspire others as they have inspired me. Good luck! See you at the top! Best wishes!
Coach J
The challenges of being a learner at age 39
The challenges of being a learner at the ripe age of 39 includes: balancing family, work, civic and church commitments. Having a 17 year old son (who is very active in school), a 2 year old son and being a Football Coach can be very challenging. With all that my job entails, I still have to be a dad to my sons and a husband to my wife. I am also one who believes in giving back to the community and my church. Fulfilling all of these commitments tend to be a balancing act for me. However, it is a challenge that I approach with vigor and eagerness.
The joys of being a learner at my age
I enjoy the highs and lows of being a learner at my age. In the beginning, I was unsure of how I would be able to research, write, read and study for my assignments. The learning thus far in the program has been enlightening to me as an individual and as a parent. I have learned about my learning style and other learning modalities, as well as learning how my sons learn best. I have enjoyed reading about the different learning theorists and the ever changing paradigms in education. I feel as though I am a more informed person and parent about the world of education.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
Now that I have begun to walk down the path of learning new knowledge again, I do not intend to stray from it. Learning about new aspects of life has made me into an avid reader and researcher. It is my desire to continue to read the latest research and publish research of my own in the very near future.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner
My advice for those entering the “new” learning process is to stay the course and to never give up. Being that many of us have been out of school for many years, our reading and writing skills have become a “little rusty.” Persons entering the learning process again should read and write on a daily basis (even if it is not assigned) to improve their skills. They should not be afraid to ask for help or assistance with an assignment. It is also imperative that they create a time management schedule. This schedule will help them balance all of the important aspects of their life.
I have pretty much always been an adult learner:
Graduated HS: 1989
BS: 1989-1995
MEd: 1995-1997
PhD: 2003-2008
EdD: 2009-Present
I only have had about 6 years since 1989 when I have not been in school. However, I can't really see myself not continuing my education.
I joke that if I can keep on going to school until I die then I win--because I won't have to pay back my student loans. But the truth is that I love learning!
This is my hobby. I am single and do not have children (except for my 2 kitties). I think that one of the challenges that I face is that people keep telling me that I must be crazy to continue going to school. I find it difficult to have to continue to defend my position that I like school. In addition, family members seem to think that because I work full time, go to school, but don't have children it means that I am not busy and always have time to just drop everything. They really don't understand how much time school takes.
My next three to four years will be completing my EdD and then I am not sure what I will be doing in terms of my education. I may continue to do some post-doc work or may be at the point where I am ready to be a professor and see the classroom from that side of the desk (or internet).
A piece of advice that I would give (from someone who has earned the advanced degree) is to not give up. The difficult and almost insurmountable things that you encounter will make your degree that much sweeter when you earn it!
At the age of 37 I find that I am able to articulate more succinctly my particular ideology or philosophy as it relates to my learning. Learning for me at this age is more specifically geared towards my career objectives, I am interested in the way to what I learn can be translated into social action.
Learning at this age is personally fulfilling. I feel a certain level of freedom of being in charge of what I learn. I see myself more engage in challenging former concepts of knowledge and information.
I see myself contributing to the body of existing knowledge in the field: Caribbean Arts and Cultural Studies. I want the learning process to continue to evolve and be affected by the changing global landscape.
My advice to learners entering my decade of learning is to embrace the process and see it as an opportunity to affect change not only in your own life but that of others. Choose the things you want to learn for your edification as well as the enlightenment of others around you.
I don’t see too many challenges of being a learner at my age, with the exception of perception among my peers. I have found that when learning with a mixed-age group of adults, I am sometimes discounted due to my age. It appears that they perceive me as having less life experiences to draw upon, and therefore my insights are less valid. I disagree with that, as years do not necessarily equal experiences.
My joy is often disproving that. I enjoy being a knowledgeable young woman – often more knowledgeable than people expect. I also enjoy the fact that I am still able to read and comprehend quickly, with my cognitive functioning still at a high level. Not to mention knowing how to use the technology available, almost as a second nature, is very valuable as a learner. I do not fumble through research, and have an ability to quickly access the information I need to make a decision, write a paper, or contribute to dialogue with my colleages.
Having just turned 31, I am still in the early stages of this decade of my life. I feel a large amount of pride in the accomplishments I have made at such an early age. My hope for the next decade is that I not experience a diminishing function when it comes to my ability to learn. I have read extensively on the strategies recommended by doctors and researchers to combat the effects of aging, and certainly hope that they work. I would feel a profound loss if, over the next decade, my ability to absorb information lessens.
My advice for those who are about to enter their 30s as a learner is to be patient. I found that in my twenties I felt the world was my oyster and that I was a “smart cookie”. I didn’t see a lot of room for growth. Patience and an open mind will allow those coming into their 30s the opportunity to truly look at themselves and see the gaps. Being honest with yourself is very important – what do you know versus what do you pretend to know? It’s a hard pill to swallow when you have been in the top of your class all through college, and suddenly you are in graduate school or a corporate training program and you are just average. Set realistic goals and understand that you have a lot more on your plate now than you did back then (marriage/relationship, children, job, home, aging parent, etc.) so it is anticipated that you will do a bit less. Perhaps what you are able to give now is only 70% of what you were able to give in your 20s…but take “depreciation” into account and understand that what was once 70% is 100% now.
Challenges:
Although everyone is in a different situation in their lives, it seems that within my age bracket (30’s) many share the same challenges. For me, the biggest challenge of being an adult learner at my age (34) is not having enough TIME. As a mother of two small children, a full-time teacher and a part-time tutor, I am trying to juggle school, work, and family life in the face of a major financial meltdown (my husband recently lost his job). Simply put, there are not enough hours in the day to orchestrate all of these things without considerable stress.
Joys (ha!):
I am compulsively a perfectionist and a hard-working student. I try to do my best on every assignment. Honestly, for me, there is not any “joy” in being a learner at the age of 34. In fact, this question made me laugh out loud. I would rather be sleeping than sitting in front of the computer at 2am. I would rather be at my son’s soccer game than doing research. I would rather read Cormac McCarthy than Robert Kegan. I am pursuing my degree because it is a means to an end. Earning the Ed.D. degree will allow me to leave the high school teaching environment and earn a larger paycheck to better support my family. So, as far as the “joy” goes, I guess that comes on graduation day.
Hopes:
My hopes for the next decade as a learner will be (obviously) to earn my degree. Once that is accomplished, what I’d really like is to transition to a career where I can choose to learn about aspects of my profession that are of specific interest to me personally, rather than be forced to take professional development courses that are barely applicable to my position. I do enjoy learning about new things, but I tie that enjoyment to practicality. I am not planning to be a Jeopardy Champion, therefore I’d like to fill my head with information I can use to affect a positive change within my own realm – school, district, or state.
Advice:
Education is a journey. A friend put it to me this way, “No matter what, you’re going on the journey. Do you want to be a rider or the driver?” I may not enjoy the journey everyday, but at least I am driving! As far as dispensing advice for people entering my decade as a learner, I would tell them to adopt the Nike slogan and “Just do it!” In the end, education will be the deciding factor that allows you to achieve your personal and financial goals.
Conni,
You stated that, "Perhaps what you are able to give now is only 70% of what you were able to give in your 20s…but take “depreciation” into account and understand that what was once 70% is 100% now."
This is the best concept I have heard in quite some time - I concur! Thanks for sharing your insights and your advice.
As an adult learner I find my biggest challenge is to explain why life long learning has become a complete part of my life. I often find adults who have been out of school for a while and who question why am I going back to school again, this is difficult for them to understand. Learning is such a crucial part of my personal development. Of course, I am sure that I share similar generic challenges as others do as well, time, organization and balance. I do have to say that nothing seems to prevent my desire to want to learn more.
I think that the number one joy of being a learner at my age is the inspiration I get when learning something new, no matter how small or significant. When I learn, I always try to share with someone, it completes the learning for me.
My hope for the next decade of leanring is that the flexibility and financial opportunities continue so that I may continue my learning whether in a formal or informal setting.
My advice to those entering this generation is it is never to late to learn, find a passion for learning and all other things will fall into place. Life balance and family are most important so be sure to use time logs so that you can succeed in education and not miss those priceless moments.
Hi Conni,
Why do you think people discount your knowledge? Do you think it is about age? You are right, one can have a vast amount of experience and knowledge even though the age would not show it. I like you advice to your peer group about learning. I wish you all the best.
Sandy (from the 50 decade)
Hi Coach J,
It is always great to read your posts. I think you are right on track about writing and reading daily. I think anyone at any age needs to embrace APA with enthusiasm and immerse themselves in it. You sound like a busy man, yet you always have a good attitude and response.
Sandy H.
Hi Rawya,
Wow, I had no idea you had such responsibilities. I always learn something from you and this gives me a different perspective as I look at someone from another culture and another age group. I think you are doing remarkably well in the threads. You have a huge work responsibility at your university. What university do you teach at now? Are you planning on publishing?
Sandy
Hi Grant,
I think what I enjoy about your comments and other 30-39 year olds (I am 50-59 year olds) is that you seem to have the best of both worlds. You grasp technology, you have much learning under your belts, and you have the drive and energy and the time of life left to put this all together to make a huge impact on the world! I wish you all the best, and stay energized! Sharon Burk
It is interesting viewing the strengths and challenges of education based on personal age. This first-hand discussion does help bring theories of adult learners to "life". I have enjoyed reading a number of post in this blog and would like to contribute my personal observations and experiences to this discussion.
Based on the questions posed by this blog my answers are as follows:
• the challenges of being a learner at your age
Having been a "life-long" learner I do find that my focus and energy that I am able to apply to educational endeavors have changed over time. At this age, I find that it is sometimes hard to commit 100% focus to formal educational attempts. There are many pokers in the fire..so to speak. With being relatively young in my professional career, working toward tenure, New responsibilities such as home mortgage, etc. It is easy to become distracted. My time is more schedule than it has been at any other point in my educational career. I am never arm-distant away from my calendar or meeting reminders. I have made my evenings during the week, my scheduled time to do academic work. By assigning this time to this particular task, It has forced me to compartmentalize my time that I do work, the time that I'm social, and the time for other obligations. This has been a challenge, but so far this method works. One downside, is that socially, I am not as spontaneous as I was in my 20's...I now have to schedule dinner plans...not just go at a drop of a hat.
• the joys of being a learner at your age
One joy of being a learner at this age, it that I am excited to be able to apply the things I'm learning right now. Being already fully employed in another academic setting, I can take new knowledge and apply it now.
• your hopes for the next decade as a learner
I'm excited to have the foundation of what I'm learning now shape and advise me in my future paths.
• your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner.
My advice for someone entering their 30's is to not get stuck in your old ways. What might have worked for you as a learner in the 20s will be different that they are in your 30's. Also, you need to balance. Education is important, but do not sacrifice all other aspects of your life. I have found that sharing my experience with colleagues and family has actually helped in maintaining my relationships.
Adult Phase Blog – 30-39 – Melanie Rodriguez
As a lifelong learner, I have noticed that throughout my learning experiences; that personal life experiences truly shape my learning. My father always said that I was an existentialist in my 20’s due to my need to show how certain events connected to me in my development in life. It seems that now my reflection on those years were quite arbitrary compared to my current experiences. I seem to have become somewhat of a realist in this decade with certain aspects of my life. I believe that one of the challenges of being a learner at 30 is that there seems to be more ageism that occurs within the academic community. In my late 20’s I started to teach adult learners of all age ranges and experiences; there were some gasps in the classroom when they saw a woman in her 20’s teaching courses in both Educational Foundations and Exceptional Learners. However, as the class progressed learners became open-minded to the idea of learning in a dynamic environment (no matter the instructor’s age). I still encounter ageism in my doctoral program when I go to functions or my recent residency where the most frequent question I received from participants would be regarding my age. Part of the reason why I enjoy doing my schooling online is because my age is never revealed (with the exception of this assignment).
Upon turning 30, I noticed that I still had lots to learn, however I also knew that there were certain areas of my brain development that were ready to be utilized in this technology environment. I knew this environment also provided some anonymity where I could be judged more on my work, more so than on my appearance.
My hope as a learner in the next decade is that I will be able to achieve a better balance in my learning and goals I pursue. I want to be able to feel more comfortable with my progress in learning and not feel the need to be perfect (I am still working on it). I guess more relaxed in the learning process is a great way to describe this effort. From what I read, it seems that there is a sense of this sense of a deeper knowing of self. However, I also read that there is a chance for stagnant behavior. I will do my best to avoid this trap. I do not think that is possible to fall into that area with my inquisitive personality. I am the type of person who needs to know everything yesterday, so that I have a chance to process and come up with my ideas today.
Lastly, my advice to learners who are entering this decade as a learner is to be open to all learning possibilities. You have the time to experiment with learning and creatively expressing lessons through different platforms. Technology is ever evolving and therefore as the technology generation we too must be able to evolve just as quickly. It is our innovative ideas and need to make things better in this world that drive us as critical thinkers, keep that energy and believe that you can achieve the impossible; no matter what age!
I feel that I am at the optimal age for learning. I say this because I have had the opportunity to implement lessons learned while in college and graduate school and the fact that I'm not too old to subject myself to change. In a nutshell, I know that I haven't got it all figured out yet, but I'm trying. The challenges that I find in my thrities that did not exist in my twenties are the unexpected family pressures I receive. As oppose to my family supporting me (i.e. my early twenties) they now rely on my efforts and resources. This has created an interesting dynamic in my continued pursuit of knowledge.
My hopes for my next decade of learning is to move closer to wisdom. Being wise is extends beyond knowledge, I feel that wisdom bears a certain amount of esteem that is transferable to younger generations.
My advice to people entering their thirties as a learner is to remain a learner. Understand that you don't have it figured out yet, but that you are making progress.
Melanie,
Your comments are similar. I am in the 50-59 year range. I believe we will always face challanges in learning. The key is how do we embrace them. Technology will always be a part of learning. I never blogged before, but was able to figure out what to do in completing this assignment. I believe creativity is a part of learning.
Deb Allar
Response to Rawya:
Hi Rawya,
Have you had a problem with your internet connection since you been at Walden? I imagine that the instructors would understand and let you make up the work if it happens. Even so I know it would be frustrating. Boy, I glad I’m not expected to entertain people at anytime. I could see that could be a major inconvenience. I do have a major commitment at my Church that takes up a great deal of time, but it is worth every minute. I hope you enjoy the time that you feel committed to.
I don't remember a time when I haven't been an adult learner. I started my education at age 23. This has been a journey worth taking. I faced challenges at the beginning of my studies. It seems to get "less stressful" as I get further in-depth with my learning. As an adult learner, I face time management challenges. Finding the time to work, study and engage in DQ is difficult some days. I am a much disciplined person, but would like to study more and spend less time at work.
I find joy in creating new theories and concepts and learning about things that I had never read about. I appreciate learning more and have more focus on my overall objectives and my personal and professional goals. I feel as though I'm in charge of my learning at this point in my life. I am responsible for my destiny.
My immediate goal is to obtain my doctorate in higher education and adult learning. In the next decade, I hope and pray that I am a full-time tenure track instructor at a college and executive director of a non-profit organization. I want to share my learning with students and provide social services to my community.
The only advice that I have for learners is to stay focused and work on time management. Ones determination is the driving force in education and completing personal and professional goals.
Vicki,
Your advice is right on and I believe applicable for any age range-"it is never to late to learn." One would hope that when an opportunity to learn presents itself that people of all ages take advantage and share.
Conni,
Please don’t equate age with experience. There are many people who are old, and / or who have been in a field forever but do not know much… I never accept the idea that the more senior you are, the more experience you have. Experience, to me, is an insight that a person gets through thinking, and that forms a basis to learn new knowledge. You will certainly not be discounted because of young age.
Best wishes.
Holly
The biggest challenges for me being an adult learner at my age is trying to balance my time between work, school, and my family. I often feel like I am neglecting my 5-year old and my husband because when I'm at home I'm doing work for my classes. This is really hard for me at times, but I know that my hard work will eventually pay off.
The joys of being a learner at my age is that I know that I am acquiring new skills and knowledge that I can pass on to others. It has always been my desire to teach at the college level,by returning to school I am one step closer at pursuing my goal.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner is that I will continue to strive and become more knowledgeable so that I can continue to have a positive impact on others.
My advice for people who are entering my decade as a learner is to keep your eye on the prize. It's not always going to be easy trying to balance work, school, and family, but as long as you develop a system and stay focused on your goal, everything will work out. The hard work will pay off in the end.
The challenges of being a learner at your age
One of the biggest challenges is time management. Allocating time to meet personal and professional responsibilities, while also pursuing a doctoral level education far exceeds the challenges of waiting tables and working on my undergraduate degree in my twenties. Another challenge is expressing my thoughts and unique “voice” in the form of a “virtual self” that is wholly reliant upon the written mode of communication. As a result, I have modified my own preference to learning in order to adapt to a new style of learning within the online environment.
The joys of being a learner at your age
One of the joys of learning is transitioning from a teacher’s mindset to that of a student. Although, I am always learning whether as a teacher or student, delving into the issues, theories, and philosophies of adult learning inspires me to better myself in the classroom and equips me with new tools that will enhance my teaching and consequently kindle deeper thought processes within my students.
My hopes for the next decade as a learner
My hope is to continue to teach at the collegiate level. I plan to take what I have learned and apply that knowledge to my field of study so that I can become a facilitator who helps students to discover knowledge, skills, emerging methods, and technologies that will enable them to become lifelong learners.
Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner
You can do it! It may take every ounce of energy you possess, particularly if you have a family and a job, but thanks to technological advances and a new virtual world of learning, anything is possible. If you decide to take on this adventure, my advice is to: be open to new ways of thinking, be ready to apply what you learn, and be sure to take advantage of the social networking opportunities that are available to you and your students. If you are intimidated, don’t be. You bring a set of skills and life experiences to the table that are uniquely yours.
Melanie,
As an "older" learner (44), I have to say my hat is off to you for all of your accomplishments at your age!! Perhaps the "ageism" you are feeling from those around you comes from intimidation rather than a she is too young to know what she is talking about perspective. I believe that you are very smart to be accomplishing your goals and pursuing your dreams at an early age.
You go girl!!
Shaley
Challenges of learning at 31... I do not feel that I have any direct learning challenges related to my age. In retrospect, I find learning easier now than when I was working on my BA and MA in my late teens and early 20's. This ease comes with the focus of one class not 18-21 credit hours a semester! My present challenges are time management: finalizing a messy divorce, becoming a single mom of a delightful, beautiful, curious 2 1/2 yr old daughter, full-time special education teacher, mentor teacher, care-taker of my grandmother. Busy, Busy, Busy! My challenge is living life at full speed and keeping everything going in a forward direction. My current theme song is "Horsepower" by Chris Ledoux. I need more horsepower!
The joys of learning are being able to share the information that I learn with my colleagues. I can see others take what I am excited about and share it and apply it. The wheels keep turning, and the process of learning keeps growing.
I hope to share my passion for learning and education with my colleagues, students, and most of all my daughter!
My advice to fellow learners, regardless of age, is to never give up on your dreams. You can only achieve them if you work for them!
Conni and Heather,
To my dear Generation X colleagues………. Both of you should be so proud of your accomplishments. Levinson has nothing on how you both approach doctoral programs and life. You both appear to be very bright and motivated. You will have long careers after you graduate, something I am jealous of. Being the baby boomer, I do have a lot to offer with life experience. In addition, at age 56 I have no children at home anymore, a supportive husband, great job and financially secure (well at least until last year when the economy took a dive). However, it takes me a lot longer now to write. I sit in front of the computer and the words do not appear on my screen as they did in graduate school. And as many others, I am technology challenged. However, I am not afraid to ask for help!
You both have visions and goals. My children are older than both of you. However, as a nurturer and nurse, I am proud of how you both took the time and effort to achieve your dreams at a young age.
Heather, I am sorry about the family situation. My thoughts are with you for a quick turn around. Now, here is my new break through. I received a “B” on my last paper I wrote. I have been a straight “A” student my whole life. It was liberating! I worked hard on the paper, but I have accepted the grade and it did not destroy my self esteem. We can only do the best we can. Good luck! Teri Sullivan
Christopher,
I agree with you that our time is more scheduled now since we are back in a college setting.
As an educator, I had to put myself on a schedule to complete my assignments, because at school I have to teach students and give them my attention. I also have workshops, conferences and Professional Developments classes that I must attend, so I can only schedule my assignments after work. My co-workers would tell me, I don't know how you do it.
I believe it is a joy to go back to school no matter what your age is. A person can never outgrow a thirst for education.
As a life-long learner, there have always been challenges throughout my post-secondary education. There are competing goals and responsibilities that I must be prioritized in order to fulfill the obligations I have acquired. On a grand scale, they include family goals, career goals, educational goals, obligations as a mentor, community involvement and various other activities and hobbies in which I have an interest.
The feeling of accomplishment as a learner is a small part of the contribution that an education brings to me. The ability to adapt that knowledge and use it in a variety of life situations is invaluable. I often tell those I mentor, including my own children, that an education is something that can never be taken away and you will have it your entire life.
I have placed a high priority on education, I recommend it highly to those I advise and hope to set an example for my children to follow through my own actions. In that aspect of my life, I would not ask anyone to do what I would not do myself and I would hope that others would learn from my example of the significance than an education has on a society, local community and a family.
Any advice I would have to offer those who seek education in the next decade would be to progress their field of study. Generations of information have been accumulated in order to establish theories and advance technologies in all fields of study. Take these gifts and combine them to your knowledge in order to progress the field of study you have chosen and pass that on to the next generation.
Conni,
Your comment that “I am sometimes discounted due to my age” really caught my attention. As a person in their sixth decade, I would like to share my feelings on this issue. I want you to know that I am constantly learning from my younger counterparts. I have learned much from your generation, for instance, that there is much more to life than work; that relationships and family are more important than a career, and that the environment and the health of one’s family is more important that money. Those are quite valuable lessons and the world owes these theories to your generation. We are thinking about work-life balance because your generation thought these issues important.
The self-confidence you exude and your growth and maturity in being able to assess your life supports the Levinson’s developmental theories of moving from a transitional stage in ones early thirties. You have moved through the transition from early adulthood into true adulthood where one conducts a self-assessment and defines oneself as meeting or not meeting expectations and creating as plan for the future. You sound very well adjusted emotionally and much like those from whom I have learned. Do not be discouraged by those who are older, they too may be going through transitions and may be at the stage in their life that Havighurst’s studies describe as one where middle age people exert and assert themselves (as cited in Merriam, 1978). Your colleagues are probably also feeling that they are the standard-bearers and decision makers as discussed by Neugarten and his colleagues who labeled this a normal feeling for the 40-60 year old age group (as cited in Merriam, 1978). These older colleagues may be feeling the need to be in control and your self-confidence and competence may feel like a challenge to that control.
Perhaps you will avoid some of the pitfalls of your next life transition by learning from these older negative models in your workplace. I wish you good luck in your studies and I hope the second half of your journey will be as fulfilling for you as the first half has been.
Keagan, R. (1994). In over our heads: The mental demands of modern life. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.
Merriam, S. (1978). Middle Age: a Review of the Literature and Its Implications for Educational Intervention. Adult Education Quarterly, 29(1), 39-54.
Hi Rawya,
This is Holly. We met before in the residency in LA. I’m so surprise to learn that you can manage so many responsibilities at the same time. Also, facing so many restrictions, like Internet interruption, and lack of library resources, must be very frustrating. I agree with you that if there is a will, there is a way. I admire your courage.
Please keep up your good work.
Holly
Response to BernieMoss
I enjoyed your posting, Bernie. Education is something that can never be taken away. As I get older I am truly thankful for not only my Liberal Arts degree and the ability to think and reason objectively. I also liked your comment about using the research of the past to build upon the future. We all have so much to learn from others, no matter how young or old they are.
Best Wishes,
Tom Newton
Response to Rawya Khoury:
Hi Rawya,
Wow! just reading your blog makes me tired! It sounds familiar though. When I was your age the demands of life were much greater then they are for me now. Perhaps I have learned to relax more or maybe just give up earlier? I can also identify with your social demands. It seems like we always were entertaining constantly when we were younger. From working with you I can tell you are an extremely hard worker and I am sure your hard work will truly pay off. I also identify with the "publish or perish" theme that you talked about. It is sad that we are not valued as professional educators until we have published extensively. In education we say we value each person as a contributor to thought but in practice you need the credentials as well as the published artifacts.
Best Wishes,
Tom Newton
Response for Conni Claflin:
Connie,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and agreed with a large part of how you feel. Although I am only three years away from being a part of the 30-39 years old adult phase it is surprising how three years can make a difference. It also amazes me how you are perceived in your classroom due to your age or lack of it. I agree that people should not perceive your level or experience based on your age. Age has nothing to do with experience. I feel that I have been through some things during my life that a 40 or 50 year old have not. Does this make me more experienced? NO! We all have unique qualities to bring to the table.
I also agree with your advice for learners to be patient. Patience is a virtue that I have not mastered yet, but will hopefully in the near future.
Connie,
I do understand your feelings about older adults. I too had those same experiences with having my intellect underestimated when I was in my late 20s and early 30s. Now that I am in my 40s I sometimes find myself doing to younger generations what was done to me. After I realize what I have done (or it is brought to my attention), I quickly re-adjust and seek to learn from my younger colleagues. The more I do this, the less I revert to the "I'm older so I know it all" mentality.
Thank you for speaking to candidly about this issue. You have helped me a great deal.
Post for Stephanie Boss,
I beleive that our past experiences give us the strength to push forward. The desire to accomplish something new and rewarding is far greater than the challenges of our current situation. I can't imagine working in a demanding industry and having to manage course work at the same time. My job allows me the opportunity not to work on weekends, giving me the time needed to complete assignments. I have learned to maximize my time during the week so that I can have time on the weekends to do other things with my family.
Lisa
Hi Coach J,
Although I am almost twenty years older than you are, I can relate to your advice on time management. The time factor will make or break most of us. I also very much enjoyed your reference to the "highs and lows of being a learner." Thank goodness the highs far outweigh the lows. Thank you for your motivational post.
Frances
Rawya,
I also am not "a computer nor an Internet wizard." I understand the demands of being a full-time instructor while also being a doctoral student. Even though I no longer have the responsibility of raising a small child as you do, I can relate to what you are going through. My three children are grown, and one even has two of her own. I admire you for your perseverance and appreciate your post and the insights it offered.
Frances
The most challenging aspect of learning at this age, is the question of will the career I have allow me to pay back my student loans and allow me to make more than I normally make? The fact is, educators in the public school district are not compensated adequately for higher degrees. Realistically if I stay in the public school district it would take me a lifetime to pay this doctoral degree off. We get $5,000 per year for having a doctoral. In reality, personally my Master's and Doctoral degrees alone will cost over $80,000. My challenge is not necessarily learning within this program but learning where this degree can take me to a higher paying career beyond where I am at right now. A career that not only rewards me for having a higher degree but one that allows me to grow personally.
Ericka Gonzalez
Age: 31
Levinson identified four major developmental periods identified as childhood and adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Currently, I find myself in the early adulthood phase, that age 30 transition toward settling. I am constantly questioning what it is that I want and what I should be doing to get it. I often find myself in a state of disarray as the lack of answers leads me to further breaking of all that I built up to this point. I most definitely would say that as Levinson suggests, "our lives move rhythmically back and forth through periods of building and breaking ..." This is perhaps the greatest challenge of this period. The joy found at this stage is that of broadening perspectives as a result of the seeking involved in arriving at answers to the questions raised during this period. The hope lies in the idea that this is a period of transition, one that is forward moving despite its back-forth movement. A piece of advice I'd give is that amidst all the going-on of life, slow down to a pause to take in what each phase of life offers. In this way, balance can lead to a much clearer "life structure" or more appropriate map than the clouded perspective that can result from losing ourselves in the questioning.
Post a Comment