My first time around in college was during a turbulent time in my life, so, in my thirties, I’m back to finish my undergraduate degree. Hooray! Seriously, I’m excited. I love school, and I’m finally at a place where I may not necessarily know what I want to get paid to do, but I know what I like, what I care about, and what energizes me. My direction is much more precise, which makes my investment feel more worthwhile from the start.

I have a greater appreciation for everything: my access to education, cost-saving opportunities, my support system, and the perks of being a student on and off campus. I understand the value of internships and participation in groups and clubs. I know myself well enough to manage my time more effectively and adapt to different teaching styles. As a result, my grades are higher than my first time in school. Simply being in this place in my life allows me to get more value from my college experience.

Naturally, it’s easier to stay motivated when school doesn’t feel like a mere means to an end. In a 2022 study of 361 Portuguese college students, Rothes, Lemos, and Gonçalves determined that “nontraditional” students (25+ years old) do enjoy some advantages with their age. An older student brings life experience, advanced cognitive development, and a more integrated sense of autonomy to the classroom. This translates into higher levels of motivation and a difference in how they measure success. Younger students tend to focus on performance and their competitive edge, while older students are more in pursuit of knowledge and expertise. The focus that traditional students place on more externally visible goals can negatively impact their engagement and learning (Rothes et al., 2022).

Anecdotally, I can attest to the difference in how I feel about my performance. Do I love high grades as all (recovering) perfectionists do? Yes, but I use my grades differently now: to gauge my understanding and to highlight any gaps in my knowledge that I need to address. With that goal in mind, academic status becomes less of a status symbol and more of an investment summary.

Not only does the shift in my perspective of grades change my level of engagement, but course content has more context now, so it’s easier to understand and remain interested. As a younger student, I had a hard time caring about a lot of what I learned. Now, everything seems more relevant, and I can find educational value in activities that used to feel like busy work.

Returning to college as a nontraditional student has enriched my academic journey. With a clearer sense of direction, a deeper appreciation for my education, and a focus on real-world application, I find myself genuinely engaged and motivated. This renewed perspective not only enhances my academic performance but also brings greater personal fulfillment, making this next chapter in my college experience truly rewarding.

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