What It Feels Like to Be the Oldest Student in Class

I am 33 years old. And I am the oldest student in my class.

It has been about three months since I started this preparatory course at university. All of my classmates are 18 or 19 years old. I am the only one in my 30s.

I haven't told them my age.

Even though they are much younger than me, their English is better than mine. When the teacher asks questions, they answer quickly and correctly, almost without hesitation.

After experiencing this again and again, something inside me started to collapse. The pride I had as a working adult disappeared, and at some point, I felt like I didn't even know who I was anymore.

But at the same time, something unexpected happened.

They don't treat me differently. They don't look down on me. They simply treat me as just another classmate.

And for that, I am quietly grateful.

Even though I struggle more than them in English, I am not completely helpless. Recently, I started preparing in advance for each class so that I don't make mistakes when I'm called on.

Before each lesson, I study the textbook using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to help me understand the material.

In many classes, the teachers expect us to already know the basics. They check answers, but they don't always explain everything in detail.

So for me, preparing in advance has become a way to survive.

I am not the smartest in the room. But I am still here.

And for now, that is enough.