Things are different when you come back for another degree in your thirties. Trust me, I am living it.
I returned to Auburn for my second undergraduate degree last August and have seen the differences between college back then and college now.
This whole "submit your assignment via Canvas" was foreign to me. What was this Canvas they were talking about? I didn't want to ask because I didn't want to seem old.
I was once asked in class to explain to my entire class the significance of a cigar in the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky case. A professor then told me I would be her go to guy for all old references.
When I state how old I am, I have experienced the gasps of my classmates. When I bring up the 1980s, I lose everyone.
Let's just say I haven't been to Skybar in a long time.
During summer classes, I noticed I was closer in age to the parents bringing their kids to Camp War Eagle than the freshmen themselves. This took a hilarious turn when an incoming freshman asked me, "Are you moving your kid into a dorm as well?"
Coming back to school at this age has its advantages, though.
I now see professors in a new light. Instead of fearing them and thinking they are there to make your life hard, I know they are doing their best to educate and prepare us for our careers. I consider a couple of professors friends now.
Class is not just something you have to attend, but a place where you can have intelligent conversation with others. Nothing excites me more than a great discussion in class.
Sometimes, though, I feel myself talking too much in class and can only imagine my classmates saying, "When will this dinosaur shut up?"
Returning at my age has also given me a chance to see that our future is not as bad as some make it out to be.
I am constantly impressed by my classmates and have learned from them. They teach me new things every day (Snapchat!) I like the fact they aren't afraid to make fun of my age (and neither are my professors).
Most of all, I am inspired by their thirst for knowledge and striving for success. The amount of extracurricular activities and the time some of my classmates contribute to Auburn are what makes this University so great. I am bewildered at times by the poise and maturity of my much younger classmates.
They inspire this old guy every day.
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