By Barbara Killmeyer

One thing we are all aware of is that learning does not stop when we are 18, 22, or even 50. Learning is a life-long process that not only increases our knowledge but keeps our minds sharp. The good thing is that we are now learning because it is something we want to do, not something we have to do. It can be a scary thing to return to the classroom after a long absence, but it is worth every minute.

Here’s what happened to me: I was approaching my fiftieth birthday when I decided to do something about the feeling I had urging me to go to college. I enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and was excited but also fearful. I was afraid that I would be in classes filled with young people, and I would be very out of place. Pitt had some classes in satellite locations, so I took as many of those as I could to avoid going to the main campus with all those “kids.” At some point, in order to get the classes I wanted, I had to go to Oakland and the main campus. It wasn’t long until I found out several things: First, I wasn’t the only mature student in the classes, and second, my age didn’t matter to the others. We were all there for the same purpose, and the fact that I was older than most didn’t matter. It took me seven years to achieve my goal, but when graduation time came, I was one of the proudest graduates to receive my diploma.

I will never be sorry for my decision to go to college. There are so many opportunities for seniors to continue their education that everyone who wants to, should go ahead with it. Many colleges and universities have reduced rates for seniors who enroll for credit courses. For instance, Community College of Allegheny County offers credit courses for the cost of a technology fee only. To take advantage of this low rate, you must register one week before classes begin. To discover a new world of learning, call CCAC at 412-231-0655 and request a brochure listing all classes available. You will find that with so many options it will be difficult to narrow your choices.

As we grow older, we have many choices to make. One is to expand our horizons by continuing to keep our minds agile and sharp through education. Contact the school of your choice today to ask about their policy for senior citizens, then enroll and prepare for new and wonderful adventures.

Another plus to attending school again is that you will have fun, and if there are younger students in your class, it is even better because being around people who are younger than you are has a way of making you feel young also.

Don’t hold back. If you have an inclination to pursue more education, call today and get started on a journey you’ll never regret.

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