Guest Post- The Benefits of Community College for Adult Learners

So you’re thinking about finally getting your degree, but where do you start? Do you go to a traditional four year college? Do you try to get your degree online? Isn’t there something in between? Something affordable that offers support and actual classroom instruction? Well, yes, there is. Community colleges offer more than just Associate degrees. They give adult learners a toehold in a strange world.

If you’ve been out of high school for a while, it can be hard returning to school. Community colleges offer testing and introductory classes to get you started, regardless of your education level. Everything from basic writing and grammar to basic math classes help you catch up and not become overwhelmed by college-level courses. Brush up on the skills you’ve forgotten or never learned in the first place.

In addition to introductory classes, community colleges also offer support. You can talk to real advisors and receive advice on your career plans, learning schedule, and class choices. Many community colleges now offer online courses as well as traditional ones so that the schedule can adjust to your needs.

Not only do community colleges offer support, they are also far cheaper than traditional colleges, online or off. With tons of financial aid options to choose from and affordable class selections, there is no reason you cannot afford to return to school.

Not only can you receive an Associate’s degree from community colleges, but most also offer certifications in key areas. Maybe you want to move up in your job or even have to become certified to continue in your current employment. Whatever the case, community colleges offer an easy and affordable way to get the certification you require.

Quality is not sacrificed at community colleges. The programs and degrees offered can usually be transferred to any four-year college you choose, which makes the decision even easier. Whether you are satisfied with an Associate’s degree or want to continue and receive your Bachelor’s or even Master’s, community college is a good way to start your learning journey.

Author Bio

Heather Smith is an ex-nanny. Passionate about thought leadership and writing, Heather regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting blogs/websites. She also provides value to become a nanny by giving advice on site design as well as the features and functionality to provide more and more value to nannies and families across the U.S. and Canada. She can be available at H.smith7295 [at] gmail.com.

So Proud

Mine is a family filled with people who have gone after their "Second Chance."  For a time, most of the people in my family didn't graduate from high school on time. "Life" got in the way. Now I'm happy to say that one by one, my family members are not only high school graduates, but they have gone on to become RN's, Social Workers, and Nursing Supervisors.

On January 28, 2012 my aunt Deidra obtained her high school diploma. After many, many years of determination she has finally completed her goal. I couldn't be more proud.

Her daughter says of her mother's accomplishment:

I think being able to watch my mother walk down the aisle wearing her cap and gown after trying for so long to reach this goal in her life...this is one of my proudest moments.

Accomplishments like these are what inspire me. She didn't give up, and she saw the importance of completing what she started.

There is value in education, no matter what your age or how long you have been trying to graduate. I have other family members who are now in college, and determined to complete their degrees. I am as proud of them, as the ones who have already finished. I know that with unwavering focus and determination they will soon walk across the stage to recieve their degrees too.

Do you know someone who doesn't have a high school diploma, or is thinking about going to college? Let them know that it is never too late.

99-Year-Old Graduate

Some people think the 4 years it takes to earn a bachelor's degree is too long. Can you imagine waiting almost 80 years to complete your college degree? That is just what an Oregon man had to do. The Great Depression forced Leo Plass to walk away from his dream of being a teacher, and instead take work as a logger because it paid better.

Now in 2011, Plass has completed his last semester and graduated with his associate's degree.



90-year-old Laura Thresher Johnston received her master's degree in history from Sam Houston State University in 2005, making her the oldest person to ever receive a master's degree from the university. At the time of her graduation she said that she wanted to go on and attain her Ph.D.

Helen Small was 87- years- old when she earned her bachelor's degree, and at 90 she received her master's degree in psychology. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas after dropping out of school over 70 years ago. Of her accomplishments Small says," It's just mind over matter. If you want to do something badly enough you do it."

Over the years I have heard many stories like these. I have personally known and been inspired by men and women, well into their senior years, who had the courage to pursue their dreams.  As an adult literacy instructor I once had an 89-year-old student --who had just buried his wife of 60 years-- learn to read for the first time in his life.

What excuses have you been giving for not achieving your goals?  No excuses, No regrets.

If you want to do something badly enough you do it.