By Barbara Bowes

It's barely mid-summer and the marketing brochures in our mailboxes are already showing colourful photos of school binders, crayons and backpacks.

Business mail is chock-full of coming workshops and courses in supervisory leadership or team-building.

And glossy university catalogues directed to executives quickly appear on desks throughout organizations.

While it may seem to be rushing the summer season, it really is not too early to make decisions about taking public training programs and/or attending a college or university credit course. After all, businesses must set aside training dollars in their budgets while individuals need to think about how to rearrange their life to take a more formal study program.

At the same time, there are many adults in the workplace who are deathly afraid of returning to school. They constantly confront old-fashioned myths and personal fears, yet aren't able to overcome them. But believe me, as a perpetual student myself, I can tell you that it's important to check out reality and push through your fears. An exciting and rewarding life awaits you.

learned to use a microwave, the new VCR and now the new iPod. At work, many have quickly mastered the BlackBerry, all those new computer programs and even the new GPS in your car. You are never too old to learn. In fact, continuous learning should be everyone's personal goal.

Returning to a classroom setting is too hard -- The old myth that the best learning takes place in front of a teacher/professor was thrown out 25 years ago. The growth of online and distance education will attest to that. If you really want to learn, you can learn any time, any place. You can take a course or enroll in a degree program. You can combine online learning with individual coaching and with classroom learning.

University/college tuition is unaffordable -- I agree that tuition fees are increasing, but taking one or two courses at a time won't break the bank. Think long term. This is an investment in yourself. It is money better spent than having a cellphone and spending $400 a month on friendly chats. Keep in mind that college graduates earn more per week than someone with just high school education. Not only that, it is well known that graduates have a higher level of savings and increased mobility both personally and professionally, which can provide security in an economic downturn.

Let's look at some of these myths and compare the reality.

Entrance qualifications require high school graduation -- You didn't graduate from high school? That is no longer an excuse. Adult education is the fastest growing sector of the education industry. Institutions are bending over backwards trying to figure out how to get you to their campus. Canada has implemented a program called PLAR that gives credit for prior learning and experience. Many institutions have mature student programs with plenty of support and guidance.

Returning to school requires too much of a personal sacrifice -- Returning to school is an investment in yourself. It is no different than scheduling involvement in a weekly curling or bridge game. It's no different than planning and scheduling for your children's activities. Planning is all about life/work balance -- take it easy. Do what you can. Don't overload yourself.

Intergenerational classmates don't mix well -- The workplace has dealt with intergenerational issues all along, why should taking a course be any different? Make the situation work for you, collaborate and trade skills. You have work/life experience to contribute; the younger students might be wizards at Powerpoint and computer applications.

Learning at the end of a career is a waste of time -- Learning is never a waste of time, no matter what your career stage. But I agree, you may wish to rethink your plan to take up a new career that requires a four-year commitment and an investment that couldn't be recaptured through new employment.

Adults returning to school are considered to be non-traditional students and post-graduate institutions and private training and development firms have been gearing up to meet your exact needs. Your life/work experience and your purpose in returning to school typically means you are achievement oriented and highly motivated.

Believe me, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, have fun, and meet new people. It's worth every minute and every dollar. Don't let those old fashioned myths deter your dream. Get going, now!

Source: The Value of a College Degree, Kathleen Porter, ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education Washington DC, 2002-00-00