I should think the instructors would expect an older student, in a pack of youth, to understand life better and be more serious. At 30, it would be time to get your shit together and work on the future.
Don't tell me their worried about the kids self-esteem?
Hey, maybe they want to produce incompetents that can't leave the country.
Be careful not to annoy them too much, they still could mess you up if they so desired. You know how easy it would be to lose your records.... a few times. Play the game enough to let them think they've won.