title: Back to School for Grownups: Your Guide to Making Sound Decisions: (And How to Not Get Run Over by the School Bus)
author:  Laura H. Gilbert 
description: Back to School for Grownups was established in 2009 by Laura H. Gilbert, PhD. The book, website and materials are based on her own back-to-school experience and many years helping others do the same. Laura's passion for adult learners began when she returned to school as a single mother of four and was inspired by the life stories and perseverance of her peers. Today, having completed four back-to-school journeys, Laura shares her energy and insight about the adult learner experience as a university instructor, consultant, speaker and coach.
zlib_text: ![](Images/image00085.jpeg)
  
  > _For John Schlag, who taught me to listen._
  
   **CHAPTER 1**
  
  ![](Images/image00083.jpeg)
  
  On the other side of the lobby door, ninety- six sidewalk lines away, is the
  first day of fifth grade. I stare through the glass, tugging at my backpack
  straps, although they are fine. I know I am stalling. As soon as I open the
  door, the outside will rush into my ears: taxi horns, loud radios, barking
  dogs. I hold on to the quiet for as long as I can.
  
  “Do you want us to walk with you?” Dad asks, right as Mom says, “Ready,
  Amelia?”
  
  I shake my head. I savor one more moment of quiet—only to be interrupted by
  the elevator dinging. Deb brushes by us.
  
  “See you there!” she says as she pushes open the lobby door. Warm air and city
  commotion burst into our apartment building. I cover my ears and count the
  ways I am different this year:
  
    1. I am ten now and can walk to school by myself.
    2. Mom and Dad gave me a new CharlieCard and permission to ride the T alone to the 