Want to go to School?
Going to school can be a big step. Perhaps you are feeling excited, overwhelmed, or scared. You may be wondering how to start the process, where to attend, what to study, how to pay for it, or whether you have it in you to succeed.
The following are common concerns and suggestions for those who wish to pursue an education:
Know your purpose. Have a vision of what you want to accomplish. If you have a purpose, it will guide you through your studies and give you the strength to continue through your challenges.
Prepare a plan. As part of your purpose, set goals of what you want to accomplish by going to school. Write down your goals and makes plans of how you will achieve them. You may know exactly what you want to study in school, but if you are unsure, do not feel discouraged. Instead, begin by assessing your talents, interests, and values . If you need help setting education goals, the Career Workshop can assist you.
Choose a school. The school you attend can make a big difference in your educational experience. Learn some tips on how to choose a school.
Choose a field of study. What you learn in school is very important because it can shape your future. In the articles below, learn how to choose career skills that are good for you:
Determine how you will finance your schooling. Calculate how much you can spend on education and how much you expect it will cost.
Apply for financial aid. Find out what financial aid programs your school offers. Here are some examples of financial aid that may be available:
- Perpetual Education Fund (PEF)
- Community resources (For instance, some companies pay their employees’ tuition.)
Read more about financial aid for education.
Avoid unnecessary debt. If you do need to get a student loan to pay for school, borrow only what you need. Keep to a budget, and pay back your loan as quickly as possible. Learn tips on avoiding debt while going to school and paying off your student loans.
Look to the future. Before you begin a course of study or a training class, research the typical salary for someone who graduates with the degree or certificate you are seeking. Make sure this amount will be sufficient to support you and your family. Also, find out what the job market is like for your field of study. If you find that the career you are considering does not have many job opportunities, you may want to reconsider your career choice.
Benefits of education. Getting your education will probably require you to make sacrifices, but those sacrifices can bring many blessings and benefits.
Are you considering going back to school but feeling worried that perhaps you are too old? Are you concerned that you will not be able to keep up with the other students, or that you will stick out in your class?
Be positive. Think about how your experience, skills, and abilities can help you in school. Be proud of your maturity. It can help you to be a more successful student.
Time passes either way. Although you may feel too old to go to school, remember that time will pass whether you are going to school or not. You might as well use the time to get an education.
Learning new things can increase your confidence. If you have reservations about attending school, you can still find the courage to start school. Whether you have years of school ahead of you, have memories of negative school experiences, or have not been in school for a while, you can achieve your goals and gain confidence.
Take it one step at a time. Start working on your goals by breaking them down into small steps. Keep track of your progress and celebrate your success at each step.
Include God in your goals. Heavenly Father wants you to be successful. He can help you have the self-confidence you need to succeed. Seek His counsel and direction as you share your progress and concerns with Him.
Attending school and having a family can be complicated but can also greatly benefit your family.
Include God in your educational pursuits. Prayerfully counsel with the Lord about your specific circumstances.
Be realistic about your workload. If you are concerned about whether you can carry your new load, start by taking just a few classes.
Include your family in your plans.
- Make plans and backup plans.
- Reassign household tasks as appropriate.
- Set aside some time to spend with your family.
- Have family prayers.
- Make time for family home evening.
- Eat at least one meal with your children each day.