One of my favorite scenes in the movie Tommy Boy is when Tommy is coming back to his hometown after graduating from college. His buddy, Richard, is picking him up at the airport and gives Tommy a little grief about how long it took Tommy to get his degree. Tommy says, “You know, a lot of people go to college for seven years.” Richard replies, “Yeah, they’re called doctors.”

I’m starting my seventh year of college this month. And no, I’m not a doctor. Not even going for my master’s degree.

My husband PCSing every two years kind of put my education in a “one step forward, two steps back” dance. After so many years pursuing a bachelor’s degree, I had to face the harsh reality that I fall squarely into the category of the nontraditional student.

Goodness knows I’ve never been a traditional sort of girl, but there are a few things that surprised me (but probably shouldn’t have) about being a nontraditional student:

1. There are different budget priorities.

The first go-round of college for me was right out of high school when I was 18-20. I budgeted for gas and pizza. Fifteen *cough, cough* years later, I budget for wrinkle remover and wine.

2. Study time is sacred.

When I’m writing a 1,500-word essay detailing the social interaction in taverns in early America, I need to focus. And if that means parking the girls in front of a Sofia the First marathon on Disney, Jr., so be it.

3. Organizing is life.

I’m not sure if I’m getting more forgetful as I get older or if I get more forgetful as I get older. But, I have to schedule everything, from house cleaning to school lunches. I can’t tell you how much less stress I have when everything is all planned out.

4. I gotta say “no” sometimes.

Big Sarge is good about telling me when I’m spreading myself too thin, so this semester I’ll probably not be doing part-time work study, because it will just be too much. I’ve got school board, publicity, and webmaster for our spouses’ club, two kids around here somewhere, and a full class load. I’ll say no to work for a bit.

5. I’m not alone. 

Almost half of college students are nontraditional students. (Really!) Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it when I’m sitting in class, listening to these kids with their hashtags and their Snapchat. I wonder, “Would I like to be that age again?” and swiftly answer nope. I’m old. I can be as sassy as I like.