Like many folks at UT Martin, I’m what’s called a “non-traditional student.” That’s a nice-ish way of saying that instead of graduating college four-years after high school, I took a little longer. (A lot longer actually.)
Whatever the reason may be, going back to school after many years can be daunting. Technology has advanced (and thank god because Blackboard was awful), the music you listened to is now considered classic rock (R.I.P Black Keys stadium tour), and you forgot how to do simple division (the last class I took was Calculus, I don’t want to hear it.) While getting back at it can seem overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to lighten the load and stay motivated.
Be Involved
Getting involved with the university is a great way to connect with new people and stay on course. I, for example, came across The Pacer during the Org. Fair last fall. With a journalism background, I figured it’d be a good way to meet people and spend time on campus. I was right, and soon I was volunteered to become Website Editor. Getting some of my tuition dollars back one spelling check at a time is nice, but more importantly, I feel a sense of pride and connection to the school I wouldn’t have if I just sat at my kitchen table all afternoon listening to lectures.
Make Time
Adult learners are often working full-time while taking classes. This can be exhausting (it is). Keeping a daily routine is a solid piece of life advice in general, but especially when juggling class work with your job. Whether you set aside an hour before work or a couple hours in the evening, having dedicated time for school can keep you between the buoys. Think of it as having set class times (no skipping).
Talk to Your Professors
Over the summer I had the pleasure of taking a class with Dr. Angie Glunz. I greatly appreciated her willingness to work with her summer students to set up virtual meetings, enabling us to give our speeches with an audience. This accommodation was incredibly helpful to me as, being not from the area, I had no way of finding an audience. (I’d have gladly hijacked a Pacer meeting or two during the fall or spring, however.) The faculty at UTM has proven to me time and again to care deeply about the success of their students. Don’t be afraid to reach out with questions or concerns.
Focus on Your Goal
Why’d I finally go back to school? Money (and to repair my long-wounded pride) My goal is super straightforward, I’d hit a wall career-wise where advancement was nigh impossible without a degree. Your goal is your own; just don’t lose sight of it. Work with your advisor to meet your goal. Use Flight Plan to track your progress and adjust accordingly. You went back for a reason, remember it. (Especially when you’re struggling to tell the difference between two rocks.)
Don’t Over Do It
Life is rarely straightforward. Adding 18 credit hours on top of it can make it as shaky as a badly loaded trailer. Wanting to get done quick is reasonable, but difficult. For the sake of your mental health (and having time to clean the kitchen) work with your advisor to craft a course load you can manage. Don’t give yourself so much that making time is impossible. One way to mitigate this is to look at half-semester classes, allowing you to spread the workload out.
Having been doing this for three semesters now, and finally on the last, I can say these actions have been a huge help to me (as has looking at my bills). Being a non-traditional student has unique challenges that come with it. My last tip: use the resources UTM offers to their fullest. (Also, use that student email to save on streaming.) The university has a number of programs, offices, staff, and organizations that can and will help you succeed. So hang in there, you’re not in this alone.
