Aging in Academia

Autumn Clewell | Writer

Photo Credit: Writer

For the last sixteen years, I have always been considered the oldest person in my class. This changed, however, when I decided to further my education and began pursuing an associate degree as a junior in high school. 

When this amazing opportunity knocked at my door, I realized that this circumstance offered me a head start, not only for my career, but for my life as well. That opportunity, called College Scholars, allowed students from Lehighton High School to attend classes at LCCC and make progress toward completing two-year degrees. At that moment, I knew my decision would significantly alter my current lifestyle while providing numerous benefits for my future goals.

During my first class of junior year, I was surrounded by maturity as students aged 20 and older began to fill the lecture hall. Initially, this change made me uneasy, since it separated me from the people that I grew up with while placing me outside of my comfort zone. However, I soon began to see how being placed into this type of environment started to influence my daily habits when striving to become a better student, and– most importantly– a mature individual. 

While I was able to find success through my academic challenges (such as memorizing most, if not all, the bones in the human body,) I also underwent personal growth by learning responsibility, independence, and accountability. By encountering these awkward, yet necessary situations, it guided me toward becoming the person I am today.