As we embark upon the new year, my newest writing venture begins--college! Today I return to school for my undergrad degree. Since it has been--ahem--19 years since I last sat in a college classroom, I am a little nervous. But I'm excited, too. I'm starting with two classes, a "ways of reading" class and a creative writing class. The more I learn, the more I realize I have to learn, so I'm looking forward to any lit or writing class.
But what I am most nervous about today--everything. I will probably be in a classroom of people 20 years younger than me. I am afraid I will feel horribly out of place. Here's an example of what I mean. My 14-year-old son went with me to the college bookstore to purchase my textbooks. At the counter, the clerk asked my son for his student ID. I could hardly keep the laughter down while he finished ringing me up, poor guy. Okay, so being too old, that's one worry. Also, what if I get in a creative writing class and suddenly feel like I can't write and don't know what I'm doing? Even though I have been writing literally since I can remember, I have that fear. Let's just add these other fears while we're at it--I won't be able to find a parking spot, I'll be dashing across campus in the cold, unable to find the right classroom, bumbling into class to take the last unoccupied seat--right in front of the professor, of course! AAAHHH! Time for deep breaths...
Truly, though all of those fears are embarrassingly real, I can hardly wait for it all to begin! I have no doubt I will come out of it all as a better writer and a more open and knowledgeable person.
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2 comments:
Okay, you will have to search for parking and dash across campus in the cold, but I bet the classes will bring out the best in you. Before you know it, those younger students will admire you and seek your advice!
My brother is graduating with his B.A. in May - at age 46. I'm proud of him for going back to school. Is he the same age as the other students? Nope. But there are perks. He's so much older that he was asked to chaperone a school event :)
This is unrelated - and I apologize - but an agent's writing contest requires that I post their URL in several locations. It's for MG and YA (my book in MG) so it may interest you as well. http://kidlit.com/kidlit-contest/
I hope school goes well. My husband's a professor and he appreciates the effort that older students put into their work, it's often high quality. I think it's because you truly know why you're there.
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