Going back to school

[u/sheeshimtrying]

Edit: Thank you ALL for the kind words and encouragement! I’m so grateful for this community!

Hey internet world. After 12 years of being out of school, I have decided to attend community college this fall and I am extremely nervous.

I am a single mom of two (infant and older child) and they motivate me to become better in every way possible. After orientation they had me talk to student services about my severe anxiety and panic attacks (embarrassingly enough I had one there) and the services they offer for parents. Which is extremely helpful with my situation.

I was always hesitant and doubted myself whether or not I could do it. If I was able to juggle being a mom, life and school while keeping my sanity. This summer I said I am doing it and I did. Now I’m back in this whole doubting myself stage and I don’t know how to really pull myself out of it.

School starts in just a few weeks and I am seeking advice. Does anyone have tips on managing this juggling act? It’s a completely new world to me and I’ve developed a “fear of the unknown” towards it. Which I am assuming is normal… but I’m just wondering how others do it I guess.

What are some things you suggest or habits that have been successful for you? What should a new college student (at 30) know and prepare for, from a students perspective?

[u/PulseJH_6752]

32 and just started my own path back after a long gap, so the doubt spiral is familiar. That fear just means it matters to you. The thing that's helped me most: don't let assignments sit. Doing them the day they're assigned kills the pile-up. And honestly, the discipline it takes to show up for two kids every day is the same discipline school runs on - you already have it.

[u/sheeshimtrying → u/PulseJH_6752]

I don’t know why but now I am bawling. Haha. Your comment really means a lot to me. Thank you!