March 15, 2010
Plus40 & OnCampus
By NETC Student Karen Tredeau

It’s hard to believe it’s only been three weeks since my first column appeared and two months since I started classes at Northeastern Technical College.  My college career has moved along at a rapid pace.  The first couple of weeks were what I would call “a piece of cake.”  However, having reached midterm, the pace has picked up and my classes are getting more challenging.  I must say, I have learned a great deal since I started.  I’ve read repeatedly about how older people should use their brains more to keep them young, and this experience is certainly forcing my brain into formerly untested waters!  This “old dog” is learning “new tricks.”

I cannot say that I’ve done as well as I had expected, but I am dedicated to seeing this endeavor through.  The college does have resources available to help students, including a great library with plenty of quiet space for studying.  I have spent my between class time in the library and also checked out some interesting books there.  Also available is the Success Center where students go to meet with tutors and make use of other resources, including videos related to specific subjects.  Unfortunately for me, the tutor schedule is all booked up with those having signed up early in the semester. 

It has been challenging to go from living on my own schedule to having to structure my life a little better, but progress has been made. I had mentioned College 103 in my first column. As someone going to college for the first time, it is a prerequisite.  The class is geared to success skills for college and life.  Initially, I had thought it would be redundant for a 63 year old woman.  However, I have found it to be very helpful in managing my time and trying different tactics to reach my goals.  It also gives students insight into who they are and how best to study, as well as how to deal with many different situations.  The class is also fun because there is a lot of student participation and interaction in games and projects designed to raise awareness.  It’s great to see the older and younger students working and having fun together. 

That is one facet of being older and just starting college that is comforting.  The younger students treat those older than they are with respect and as just plain fellow students.  Of course, there is quite a large contingent of older students at NETC.  I’ve met several people in the library and have found the networking helpful.

It looks like the remainder of the semester is going to be a rollercoaster ride of work and fun -with there probably being more work than fun!  However, spring break comes the beginning of April.  Should I go to Florida and party with the other kids?  I think not. I think I’ll just enjoy my week watching the flowers bloom (and probably studying!).

Karolyn Tredeau, 63 of Ruby, entered college after taking a 40-year hiatus from formal education.  She is a student at Northeastern Technical College and will write about her experiences in this column, “Plus40 & OnCampus” once a month.  Karolyn can be reached at  karolynt@shtc.net.