1. I suppose; however, I do not plan on staying in this area after graduation. Plus, I network extensively outside of the college within programming circles. 2. I'm in my early 30s. I've been around the world, had a decade in a different career. I'm smart, well-read, etc., etc. Plus, I'm a single parent, live on my own (with my kid, of course).

I feel like your two points would be great advice for someone on a traditional collegiate track, but not for me. I am definitely not a traditional student.