They say that is never too late to start all over again. Who says that? Who are “they”? They in this context could be anything and anyone: the internet, your friends, your colleagues, family, girlfriends/boyfriends, books, etc. As a well-respected scientist (smiley face here, can’t say that with a straight face), I felt the need to test that theory, as we do with all theories. Not really, I just wanted to change my career, find something new that motivates me to wake up in the morning and go to work.
I am 35 years old now, and just enrolled in a bachelor in Economics, and in a master in Management of Technology – at the same faculty of Business. Well, one degree was not enough for me apparently. When I applied for both of the studies few months ago, the idea behind was that in the best case scenario where I would get admitted to both studies, I would choose one. Here I am, not being able to make a decision and going with both of them at the same time. Oh, did I mentioned that I have two kids as well ? (50% of the time though). And a boyfriend? And an extra-kid? (my boyfriend’s child- 50% of the time as well). And I will probably be starting a full time job soon, as I need money to support myself.
Probably I should also mention here that I already have a bachelor and a master in Engineering, and that the past 5 years I have worked in the research area at the university. More precisely I worked towards my PhD, but I decided to quit during the pandemic outbreak. Quite a promising future you would think, right? Not so easy when you are a foreigner in a country where the language is not the easiest to learn 🙂 And the reason for that is because everyone here speaks so good English that it is almost impossible to practice the little Norwegian you leant. But, again, jobs require the language though. So, I am putting myself in a very uncomfortable situation where I am taking both a bachelor and a master in Norwegian. I hope that in 3 years from now, I would be speaking Norwegian like a native (wishful thinking, taking into consideration all their extremely different dialects they have here).
Now let’s get back at being a student again. That was enough intro about myself and my background. As per my knowledge so far, I am the oldest student both at the bachelor and at the master level. There are few guys that are 30 years old, but that’s it (and this at the bachelor level). I have a feeling that I might even be older than some of my lecturers. How does that make me feel? Amused. My colleagues have no clue that I am that old, since I am super short, and coming from a different country, is not that easy for them to guess my age. I am amused also whenever we talk and they find out that I have a master in engineering. Most of my colleagues at the master level have a bachelor in engineering, as this master is mainly dedicated to engineers, however, they find it a bit difficult to understand why would someone go through the pain of taking another master. I understand them, I do. What they don’t know, and what I also was surprised to find out about myself, is that I love studying. I might actually be an official nerd. I love it. Being a nerd is not the worst I could be.
Handling the kids, the lectures, the extra meetings with colleagues (because we have to work in groups for different projects), having time for my boyfriend, and for myself, is not easy at all. However, is not that complicated as it might look at the first sight. With a very good planning, this is possible. What is a tad frustrating is the fact that I can’t really deviate from my schedule too much on a daily basis. I have to stick to the plan that I make every morning, otherwise, I am loosing it. True story.
The information I learn at university is fascinating. I see a difference in me, a 22 years old student, and me now, a 35 years old student. I receive the knowledge different. I pay attention to the lectures in a different way. Or, my precisely, I finally pay attention to the lectures. I remember during my engineering studies, getting so bored during the classes. I was drawing on the side of my sheets, or just talking to my colleagues, sending each other messages on the paper (cause yes, I am that old). This time is different. I value my time differently. I actually value my time now. So, when I am in the class, I concentrate 100% to what the professor is saying. And I take notes. Did I already say that I am the only one who takes notes in writing on paper? All my other colleagues are just either not taking notes, or writing on their laptops. Everybody has a laptop. I took mine out of my backpack, and turned it on, just to fit with the rest. I still took notes on the paper though. This has not only to do with my age, but also with the fact that I remember things better if I write them down myself. Not typing them on a laptop.
Economy is great, interesting, and totally different from what I am used to study and work with. The only class where I feel a bit familiar with, is mathematics. I actually feel like that is the easiest class ever. I could easily teach the students (my colleagues) what the professor is teaching us. I attend the lectures just because I want to get used with the terminology in Norwegian, otherwise this would be a course where I could just go straight to the exam. I think I might even be able to skip the exam at all, and have one of my exams in mathematics recognized from my bachelor in engineering. But I will still take the exam. Just for fun. I aim for the highest grade.
The other subjects are a bit challenging, as nothing else is precise. I am an engineer, I am used that 2 plus 2 equals 4. And that is the end of the discussion. But in economics, it is not. I have a class in strategy and development of businesses in technology. That doesn’t sound like an exact science to me. I don’t think that just by reading the books, I will be able to pass the exam. I will have to start thinking a bit differently this time. Put aside my engineering mind, and try to be more open minded to solutions. However, I think that my engineer mind could also be of help here and there. I am an optimistic person like that.
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