If you are one of the many adults going back to school, you are not alone! Its estimated that about 12 million adults just like you are going back to school in the U.S. This challenge could be even more difficult if you are like the 20 million Americans living with diabetes! The good news is that the schools and communities realize that not only are your academic requirements different than the typical college student, but so are your health needs as well. We’ve got great tips to get you started with going back to school as well as tips to maintain your diabetes too!
How are schools meeting your needs?
These are some statistics involving the resources available to older individuals going back to school.
- A national “Plus 50” learning program has been developed and expanded by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
- This program is active at 60 community colleges in order to meet the needs of older students and act as mentors to other community colleges.
- 90% of schools already offer programs for older students
- 60% of schools have workforce training and career development programs
- 30% of schools have programs for older students interested in volunteer, social-service, and other community oriented service programs,
- 63% of community colleges provide computer training tailored to older learners.
- 1/3 of the schools have an easy registration process and centralized services for older students.
- 1/15 have orientation programs and other “concierge” services for the older population of students.
What you need to do to get Started
This is a checklist of items that you need to have in order to make going back to school simple and stress-free.
- Figure out what it is you want to study and how many hours of classes you are going to be able to take.
- Find your local community college by using the AACCs website.
- Go online or to the college itself and look up the classes they offer, the timing for new classes, admissions requirements, parking services, tuition amounts, as well as appropriate deadlines.
- Visit the campus and familiarize yourself with the locations of the classrooms, libraries, specific offices, etc.
- Talk to the students! The best way to learn about the college is to talk to someone who’s been there before. They can give you tips you might not be able to find on a website or in the student services office. Plus, you might find someone who has already taken the classes you are signed up for and can give you advise.
- Make sure that going back to school is going to fit into your daily life. Depending on the amount of classes you are going to take, the work load could get pretty heavy and you don’t want to overwhelm yourself. It might be best to start out slow with 1 or 2 classes and then work your way up as you get more comfortable with the college life routine.
- Find out the total cost of going to school including books and supplies as well as parking costs/fees. You also might be eligible for certain grant programs or financial aid assistance.
Managing your Diabetes at College:
Its going to be a change from your typical diabetes management program because you will be sitting in class, walking across campus, or studying late for midterms. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your course work and your diabetes.
- Always have more than enough diabetes supplies available on campus. Either pack a kit to keep in your car, or bring it with you on campus. Just make sure the supplies are easily accessible in case you need it.
- Communicate with your professor about your diabetes and contact them before the class starts, you don’t want to wait until halfway through the semester. If you have a low during an exam, or aren’t able to make it to class because of diabetes related health issues, you might not be able to make up lost points in the class if the professor is not aware.
- If you are an insulin dependent diabetic and need to use a meter or pump during the day, find out each professors requirements and specifications of the use of this equipment.
- Keep non-perishable snacks in your bag to make sure you maintain highs/lows when you feel them coming on.
- Walking across campus is enough to change your blood sugar levels, so don’t forget to check them regularly throughout the day. If you start to notice changes to you blood sugar levels, react accordingly and make necessary changes for your health.
- Stay on top of your course requirements! Studying for midterms and finals are stressful and you don’t want to wait until the last minute to be prepared to take them. Staying up late to study or becoming stressed are two big factors that influence your blood sugar levels. Make sure to get plenty of sleep before an exam and don’t get worked up over it. After all, its just a test and your health is more important!
Who has gone back to school recently? Have you had some challenges? We would love to hear your tips!