Top post Rameses,
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head. It's not easy but determination will definately get you a long way towards passing. Our course is a big mixture of backgrounds/ages and all groups have some who struggle and some who don't.
You do need some natural ability for the practical side of things but as I said before, determination will see you through the grinding 5 weeks of theory. Enjoy the 8 hours of AFTN