Ten Things To Remember If You Are Older Than Your Teacher When You Go Back To College

It is extremely difficult for older college students to adjust and accept a professor who is only a few years older than the students. However, it is considered “difficult” multiplied by infinity for an older student when the student is decades older than the teacher. The life concerns and responsibilities are so incredibly different. The older student, especially one with two or three children is concerned with the rent, mortgage, finding the time and a quiet place to study and coping with a family while the young “Dougie Houser” professor is obsessing over cartoons, dirt bikes, the opposite sex, a pimple, and computer games. In this case, it seems that the old adage “east is east, and west is west, and never the twain shall meet,” is the appropriate interpretation or analysis of this situation. However, it is possible to arrive at a “happy medium or median” and the two entities can co-exist without unwarranted animosity. The following tips may be useful:

1. The older student must avoid resentment of your professor’s age due to the fact that you,the older student could have literally changed your instructor’s diapers.

2. Do not expect accommodation or special favors because you are older. Avoid the attitude of superiority based on your age.

3. Do not display your negative feelings or perception of your professor’s ineptness.

4. Make an effort to get to know your professor personally.

5. Do not use your age as an excuse. It is not your young instructor’s fault that you waited for half a century before seeking a degree.

6. Be humble and realize that you really do not know everything simply because of you may have been around when the subject of discussion was invented. This young, still wet-behind-the-ears professor, in torn jeans, and tennis shoes made the necessary sacrifices to matriculate through completion. The have earned the position of being entrusted with educating others including you based on their qualifications.

7. Accept your young professor’s authority and acquiesce. It has been aptly stated and is a valid contention that this young professor has paid his dues and has an education. It is through this person that you have to get yours.

8. Don’t try to act like your professor’s age. Also, don’t try to fit in with the younger students by overcompensating. Be yourself , accept your age, enjoy your age, and use it to your advantage by commanding rather than demanding respect.

9. Earn your young professor’s respect by studying, being punctual, being prepared for class, participating in class, volunteering as needed, and striving for excellence.

10. In accordance with the golden rule, treat your young professor the way that you would want to be treated. Be kind, friendly, courteous, respectful, and never condescending.

Finally, remember, your young professor is simply another human being in this world deserving of receiving your best. Get to know your professor as a person and let them get to know you. Both of you will be the better because of the effort.