March 29, 2024

5 No-apology tips for non-traditional students

5 No-apology tips for non-traditional students - photo copyright 2012 Rick Sherrell

I was one and maybe you are, too: A student who is 30, 40, 50, and even 60 and beyond!

Like many non-trad students, I did not intend to be “older” in college. But my parents, who were not college-educated, did not make provisions for my education. After losing a parent early, my life took a different vocational path for many years until I decided that I wanted to teach.

Because I relate so intimately to non-traditional students, I thought about what communication lessons relate specifically to our incredible, dedicated population. Here’s where I landed:

1. Never, ever, ever, ever be afraid to talk to the prof about struggles you are having!

Yes, I was reticent at times to speak in class around my younger counterparts, but outside of class? I was very outspoken, going to my profs whenever I was confused or when I felt frustrated about an exam or class policy (Truth be told, I was probably a bit of a pain in the ass, but willing to own that title). As a prof, I know that a bunch of non-trads feel embarrassed about their confusion. Or, they say, “I’m sorry. I’ve been out of school for a really long time.”

Know that you never have to apologize for your gap in education. In your years away from school, you had an important professional experience that is its own type of college! You deserve to emerge confidently from confusion and get the same help as a student who just got out of high school (and is likely just as perplexed as you are!).

So, when you go to your prof, hold your head up and say, “I’m so excited to be back at school after all these years and you know what? I want to make sure I have a solid handle on what I’m doing. I need your help!“

Also, always ask “Will you review work early for me? What deadline should I set for myself in order to make that happen?” and “Will you take another look if I’m still unsure?“

2. Share your wisdom and experience in class!

Some non-trad students worry about talking too much in class, so they say little. Other non-trad students ask if it’s okay to talk in class (It’s true!). As a prof, I’m alone on a ledge sometimes, particularly when I ask a question and… silence… dead silence. Your words are appreciated by faculty and, whether traditional students realize it or not, they have a lot to learn from your articulateness, your background, and your ideas. Speak up and give lots of life/work examples. You never know when your words may serve as a change agent for another student in the class. A former non-trad student who was already an EMT (pursuing a nursing degree) gave career advice to a 20-something student who wanted to know the ins and out’s of being an EMT. I have seen numerous trad-non-trad relationships start in class… and linger as mentorship or friendship far beyond the term.

3. If you are a talker, engage the class community.

I have had chatty non-trad students come to me privately and say, “I don’t want to take over the class, so if I’m talking too much, please let me know.” Just for the record, I’ve never told a non-trad student that they’re talking too much–what they’re saying is typically too rich and priceless to mute! In fact, when a non-trad student shares their thoughts and asks an open-ended question like, “What do the rest of you think?”, traditional students sometimes feel less intimidated responding to a fellow student.

4. It’s okay to challenge what you don’t feel is right.

Some non-traditional students are so respectful of a prof’s position/title that they don’t think they should challenge anything. I think many of my colleagues would agree that we’re in the wrong profession if we can’t handle a little constructive criticism over content or policies. So, if you are uncomfortable about a grade you received, are concerned about other students in a class (yes, I have had non-trad students bothered by other students texting, trolling FB, etc. during class), or vastly disagree with the material, use your “I” language and discuss it with your prof. No need to apologize or qualify your thoughts.

5. Carry your own load; let other students carry theirs.

I have seen far too many non-trad students pick up slack on a group project or assist a struggling student with emotional or academic needs… sometimes far beyond what’s reasonable. Even when non-trad students are staunch non-enablers of their own kids, they find a soft spot for another young classmate and jump right in to help.

Remember, your work ethic and maturity have developed; the work ethic and maturity of certain traditional students is developing. If you find yourself shouldering others’ academic or personal problems, the greatest gift you can give them, in addition to your kind ear, is a pathway to the resources that can help them i.e., the professor, counseling services, educational advising, etc.

If the situation feels unbalanced, go tell the prof, “I have concerns about the workflow in my group and I need to resist taking on the project myself.” It’s her job to manage these types of issues.

So, my non-traditional comrades, I salute every single one of you. You are a model to your friends, families, and traditional students in ways that you probably don’t realize.

You’ve honed your experienced, powerful voice. Now use it to propel your education.

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