Most people at the age of twenty-six have one of three things happening in their lives: Starting their life careers, getting a masters/ doctorate, or getting married/starting a family. The ones who have all three might be considered lucky or beginning the rest of their lives on a stressful note. However, there are the late bloomers who decide to attend college in their mid to late twenties. Whether it is your first time attending college, or the twentieth attempt, here are a few things I’ve experienced as an undergrad in my mid-twenties.
For one thing, everyone seems like children. This past semester, I overheard a group of girls getting giddy over one of them turning twenty-one in a couple of months, and reminded me that I turned 21 five and a half years ago. I also refer to students who appear to be freshmen in college as “children.” I also might not understand all the slang/pop culture references spoken by average college age students.
Although I like to think that I am not out of the loop on internet memes/internet culture, I admittedly am not aware of everything that people under twenty one may know. This not knowing of newer slang is decreasing as I’m approaching more students entering the same major, it was something else to learn these terms while I was attending junior college. It was there that I learned what a “thot” and dabbing was, among other things.
However, it’s easier to concentrate on my studies. I wouldn’t want to relive the confusion and uncertainty I faced when I was between the ages of 18-23, so it’s an advantage that I am attending college in my mid-twenties. Since I’m over the “party until the break of dawn” (or too drunk to continue), it’s easier to focus on studies and not be worried about it impacting my social life. Since many of my friends already have families of their own, it’s easy to put my own priorities in order.
Being an undergrad in my mid-twenties also increased my chances of getting significant financial aid. I am not sure about other states, but in California, a university student is considered an independent student the year they turn 24.
This means that the FAFSA only calculate the income you make, not your parent’s income, which in turn may decrease tuition fees and maybe some money for textbooks for independent students. It’s a little simpler to attend college when cost is not looming over one’s end, especially when your monthly income could barely pay rent for a one bedroom apartment.
One thing I do have in common with my younger undergrad peers is that I can pretend that I know what I’m supposed to do with my life. I may appear that I’m above a quarter life crisis, but I fear it may happen once I get my BA in English.