I graduated highschool in 2013, and went straight into the workforce. My family needed me for their asbestos removal & demolition business after Hurricane Sandy hit NJ in 2012.

I wasn’t really interested in college at the time, I just wanted money, and that’s what I got.

I am grateful for everything, especially being able to help my family for the last 9 or so years… but I felt so incredibly unfulfilled.

But now, I am pretty sure about what I am doing.

After years of contemplation, I finally I enrolled at my local Community College with the intent to transfer to a 4-year school after I complete my Associates of Art degree, and then I plan on majoring in Industrial Design!

I’ve always been incredibly artistic, and I always wanted to pursue a job as an Architect or Interior Designer, but I am fascinated with creating products people can use.

Anyway, this is all so new to me, so any advice would be grateful

Congrats & enjoy the experience! @op

I assume you likely won't be living in the dorms, so do what you can to meet people by going to events, joining clubs, actually talking to people in class, etc.

Despite what others are gonna say about your age, ignore them, Older people in college is common and no one is gonna give a f***.

Don't forget to network as you go because that s*** can help you later on.

tell other students that you are still 19 years old - @Jihyo

Good luck bro wherever you go enjoy the journey

If anything be open to new experiences and meeting new people no matter how big or small the interaction tbh whether it be a big party or going to pick up Alc from the store type s***. Try and be intentional with the moments you make cuz ppl will remember that the most.

Totally go for it if it’s what you’re set on. Would you stay in-state or look to go out of state? regardless the campus atmosphere and school spirit are great imo, and being surrounded strictly by people in their 20s is crazy. along with the things you can learn at a university given the resources being a student gives you

chill with the other mature students. they have fun but are also very serious 'bout their studies

I live about 13 minutes away from campus, so I am very lucky overall.

Thanks for the advice!

I think I’ll stay in state after.

But who knows, I have to figure out which school will have the best program for my major. I’ll figure that out as I get closer to completing my community college s***.

For sure

I was on campus today, and I heard another student say his birthday was 2003 lmaooooo crazy

I'm back at 25 and so far it's been so worth it, there's a bunch of early-mid 30 year olds in my classes so I don't even feel old in comparison. My grades have never been higher and I would rather be in school than work a 9-5 job I despise

congrats on having the courage

focus on your schooling above all else within reason

No advice however i'm happy for u and am proud u ☺️

get it boss there shouldnt be these predetermined career and education time periods in life. you got direction in your goals go out an get it!

schooling later is honestly so much better

if youre 25+ going back youre more likely experienced, comfortable with yourself & have more discipline plus being way more decisive/concentrated about your schooling & things

SHOUT OUT TO THAT FULLY DEVELOPED FRONTAL LOBE

happy for you :_)

Congrats brother, it’s never too late. Stay focused. I found college to be very transformative period in my life. When I think back to college, I always come back to the heavy emphasis on the freedom of choice. You alone can make college any kind of experience you want it to be.

damn op a jersian, you just like me fr

I really respect your decision OP. I think you'll be a lot more focused than your peers

Never too old to learn something new

Make sure you establish connections, get to know your teachers and peers that are doing well. Think of your portfolio and make sure you find time to update it

Yo OP.
Im 28 and struggled to know what I wanted to do career wise for years. A couple years ago I hit a huge rut in my job and realized I wasn’t happy at all. After a lot of contemplation I realized I needed to go back to school and pursue something that would make me wanna get up in the morning.

Best decision I’ve ever made. Im in year 3 of my 4 year degree now and I’m so glad I went back. Don’t sweat your age. You’ll make friends, and tbh you’ll probably find you’re a lot better at school now than you were 10 years ago. Good for you for taking this leap. Stay committed, it’ll be worth it in the long run

Oh also - you’re still very young. Don’t let other people tell you otherwise

F*** some college b****es

Community college sucks in terms of meeting new people

Always look up your professors in rate your professor.com

Definitely meet your professors during Office hours tsp they can get a good grasp of who you are as a person

It's a shame your d*** stops working after 19 or you could've been getting laid a lot.

post secondary in your later 20s is a cheat code tbh

most likely more mature, organized, motivated/driven by then