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What are ways to feel more financially confident in my decision to try college after 10 years?

I am from a small Alaskan village and graduated HS in 2014. I have been working various jobs since then, mostly working for our tribal environmental department for 6 years. Now I want to be a professional in this field. I was originally getting registered here in the state of Alaska, but the university dropped the course. So I decided that I will pursue this field in Flagstaff, AZ. I have a 4 year old son, and currently live in Fort Yukon, AK. My big concern is housing. I have started saving like crazy and applying to every scholarship I come across. But there is still this lingering fear that I am not doing enough. I still have work that my vehicle needs done on before we can move. I have been stressing a lot lately.

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Heather’s Answer

First, congratulations for deciding to go back to school. I know a number of folks who went back to school after having kids or being well into their career where it paid off in the long run. I actually never finished my degree and sometimes I do see the impact that has on me. Regarding your question, first know there are resources out there. You can look up the local 211 (https://211arizona.org/), it's also a phone number you can call, and they can connect you with any sort of health and human services resources you might need. That could be affordable housing, food pantries, utilities assistance, and more. I'm not sure your financial situation and what you'd qualify for but know a resource like this does exist. The other thing might be to look into starting to build your network of support in the AZ area. Are their online meetups you could join, Facebook groups, Buy Nothing groups, or other spaces through the university that could help you start getting to know folks so you have a support system or get you access to things that could stretch your dollar. Depending on the car you have you can see if there's a local car community in the AZ area that could recommend reputable shops or individuals who can do the work for less than a dealership would charge. I found a guy that way who did my breaks for well under half what the dealership was going to charge for fully OEM parts. Also, tap into all the resources your university has. I find there's often small groups or different parts of student services that can help with a lot of things if you ask around and access those services. I hope this was helpful and good luck to you!
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Chinyere’s Answer

First of all, Charles, I would want to express how courageous and inspirational your path is. Choosing to leave your hometown, bring a child, and go back to school after ten years in order to seek a greater goal? That requires a great deal of heart, vision, and guts. Feeling that underlying worry is quite normal, especially when there is so much at stake. You are a powerful role model for your son and for everyone else following your tale because you genuinely care about doing the right thing for him and your future.

You're already taking some of the most crucial steps to gaining financial confidence: consistent saving, active scholarship applications, and anticipating your housing and car needs. In addition to being practically prepared, those are all indications of someone who is acting with maturity and purpose. Making a budget that accounts for projected housing, daycare, and car expenses in Flagstaff is one way to break down your financial concerns into smaller, more manageable steps. This may give the unknowns a sense of predictability.

Try contacting Northern Arizona University's (NAU) student support services as soon as you can. Their assistance could include emergency funds, parenting student support, housing resources, or even links to family-friendly properties in the area. People genuinely want to help students like you, so you don't have to figure it all out alone.

And keep in mind that having every dollar in place at the moment isn't what financial assurance is all about. It's about believing that you're doing your best and keeping moving forward with little, calculated moves, even if they seem unclear. Your ability to show up, put in a lot of effort, and adjust has already been demonstrated. Real confidence is based on it. Charles, you're more than doing enough. It is your right to pursue this desire for yourself and your son.

Best wishes!
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