I’m trying to study again and it’s hard. It’s been 11 years since I graduated and in all this time I’ve never really had to study for anything. Sure there were a few courses at work, but nothing major.
Now, I’ve decided to get a professional qualification that’s quite challenging. When I was younger, studying is something that came naturally to me. Even throughout my career, anything that needed some study has been so easy. But now, trying to focus on real studying is hard.
I’ve been trying to get this qualification for the last 8 years, but I never managed to study enough to actually sit for the exams. Every year something would come up and I just had to give it up. This year I just can’t give up. I just have to see it through.
I so admire the people who can work and study…. people who go through college at night or part time Master’s degrees. It takes real determination. Seeing as how out of practice I am and how daunting this task feels to me right now, I am open to any suggestions that would help.
Looking through a frosty window... 
I recommend easing yourself in – don’t throw yourself in at the deep end. As someone who has been thrown out of the happy end of the education system more recently, I can verify that it helps.
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Thanks for the tip! Will try to take it one chapter at a time. 🙂
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Good luck!
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Thank you, I definitely need it!! 🙂
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All the very best with your exams. I understand how after a break, it might be difficult to focus or study but it is amazing that at least you have the courage to give it a try.
-Naima
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Thank you. I really want to try.
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If you give your best and honestly give it a try, nothing can stop you.
-Naima
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yup its very hard to get back in student mode after you leave your studies… things dont come to you as they used to, but dont worry ull get over it soon, just take it slow, Gudluck.
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Thanks. 🙂
Yes, it’s taking a lot of effort to just open the book.
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I am really bad at traditional education, but I got my Masters (with ADHD). I failed my comprehensive exams the first time, but the second time, I put together a notebook with research links, sources, and even wrote sample papers for each research question that was posed and then I just reviewed reviewed reviewed, hoping stuff stuck in my brain. Colour coding my notes helped. Also, here’s a link to my blog with some tips (ADD-related) and tricks I relied on to help get me through undergrad/grad school, and life in general. https://achaosfairyrealm.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/seven-ways-i-cope-with-adhd-without-meds/
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Oh wow. Much respect to how you coped with it all. Thanks for sharing the link. I definitely need all the help I can get. I am also planning to just keep reviewing and just like you, I am hoping things will stick.
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Oh and I passed my comps! Feel free to email me via my website and I’ll be glad to help any way I can!
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Thank you! Thank you! … oh and congrats. 🙂
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You’ve got this! Remember that you’re always given more materials than you need. So don’t overwhelm yourself trying to read every single word of every single thing.
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Thanks. I’m trying not to stress out. 🙂
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I was out of school for twelve years before I went back. The skills are all still there (I hadn’t been sure they would be). The problem is organizing your life so you can find the time. Whoever said ease yourself back in is wise.
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I wasn’t too sure I would remember anything either. But as I’m getting through, something’s are coming back. Your comment gives me hope. 🙂
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One thing I discovered is that being an older student gave me a real advantage. Several, actually. I knew why I was there–I wasn’t some kid sleepwalking through school because someone else told me it would be a good idea. I had more confidence than I did as an 18-year-old. And I was committed to it, and willing to do what it took.
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So true. Being older gives u confidence and perspective.
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I went this route when I was 38. It took me six years to finish my BA and get my MA, and I did it by easing into it. The first four years, I went to night classes, working full time. The next two years, I worked part time and went to school full time. The trick is to take one or two courses at a time at first before adding more. I mapped out my semesters so that I always knew what course to take next, what I needed and what I could skip. If you have a plan and then execute it in increments that are workable for you, suddenly, it all comes together. It is true, as others have mentioned, that being older gives you a leg up.
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I really admire your courage. I hope I can stick to it and see it out through. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
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You are so welcome. Take it one step at a time, one day at a time.
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