My name is Michael Wheeler. I am 52 years old and decided to go back to school. I have not been in school since I graduated from San Diego High School in 1978.

This is not what I expected, being disabled with six screws in my lower back after an industrial accident.

Being very proud, I decided not to use the services for disabled students at City Collage.

Walking to my classes and not being very familiar with the campus is a real struggle for me.

I am taking three classes and seeing all the young adults on campus makes me see that it has been a while since I’ve been in school.

I find the young adults are very friendly and outgoing.

Sitting through class in pain, taking medication and trying to stay focused, I am getting through the semester with fair grades.

For me what I see different in the classroom is the technology that is being used.

I am used to doing assignments in class and not so much note taking. Other older students in my classes agree that keeping up with the lectures in class and taking notes at such a fast pace makes it difficult to keep up.

The teachers  are very aware of the older students in their classes and are willing to work with them before and after class.

I am enjoying my first year experience being back in school, it  has been worth all I have gone through this semester and I am looking forward to the next semester.

Well if you happen to be a bit older and are thinking about returning to school my advice would be to go for it.

What do you have to lose? But more importantly what you have to gain?