by Grace Fleming
Mary Leonard wears many hats. The most important, she’ll be the first to tell you, is the one that designates her the mother of two great kids. But after spending a few years in the military and reaching the age of thirty(ish!), Mary decided it was time to focus on herself and fulfill her own aspirations; it was time to pursue her dream career in medical research. And she wanted to have a good time, too.
Although many re-entry students think campus life is for kids, Mary was not fazed by age parameters. She began to involve herself in clubs and organizations soon after enrolling at Armstrong State University, a distinctive urban institution in historic Savannah, Georgia.
“College life has so much to offer students of all ages, and there are lots of older members in the clubs,” Mary says. “We tend to take charge and play that parental role.” Mary is the Recruitment Officer for the Honors Program and plays saxophone in the ASU concert band. As if that’s not enough to keep her busy, she sings in the concert choir, and you may even find her performing on stage. This past summer she was spotted playing Bertha in Pippin, an ASU Masquers club theatre production.
And Mary is not alone in her campus involvement. “We’ve had a constant flow of outstanding nontraditional students working on stage as well as backstage,” said Dr. Peter Mellen, director of Masquers. “And they have a wonderful time.”
Today, all across America students like Mary are filling up classrooms in record numbers. And re-entry students are taking active rolls in foreign language clubs, honor societies, professional organizations, and even sports. “Re-entry students shouldn’t be intimidated by their differences,” Mary says. “They should embrace college life. Have a blast!”
“Don’t get me wrong,” she adds. “It was a little unnerving, walking onto campus and feeling like everybody was staring. But now I know it was my imagination. There are plenty of older students returning to college these days. They’re everywhere!”
Professors aren’t complaining about the ever rising average age of students. They have long enjoyed the substance that nontraditional students bring to the campus. Dr. Richard Nordquist, professor of English and author of Passages: A Writer’s Guide, insists adult learners are some of his best students. “They are better than that-they’re simply the lifeblood of this university,” he declares. “They are focused and they stimulate and often challenge the faculty. They make this a better place to learn.”
Nordquist adds that he teaches primarily during the evening so he is more likely to have classrooms filled with adult students. “I began teaching nontraditional students twenty-five years ago on a military base,” he says. “Now it’s a necessity.”
If you’re ready to change your career, enrich your mind, or even embark on a whole new life plan, maybe it’s time to get back into the classroom. Here are a few guidelines to help get you onto the campus and help you enjoy the entire college experience.
Never been to college and wondering how to take the first step?
First of all, many colleges and universities have established special programs and/or offices that cater to the needs of re-entry students. Check to see if the college of your choice has an office that specializes in adult services. If that doesn’t pan out, most every college has somebody on staff who takes telephone and walk-in inquiries from people just like you. Simply call any college admission office and ask for an admission counselor.
Never took the SAT and goofed off in high school?
Relax. Many university systems have special admission rules for re-entry students. Often, colleges will offer a placement test in place of traditional test scores. And here’s even better news: many universities don’t consider high school performance for re-entry students.
You want to go to college, but you’re not sure which degree to pursue?
No need to rush. Many students attend college for years before they decide on a major. You’re allowed to be undecided, and special advisors will help you select course work that will fit into various degree programs. Feel free to take a variety of courses and see what fits you best.
Think you can’t afford to go to college?
Sorry, no excuse. There are plenty of ways to address the money issue. First, call or stop by your institution and ask for a schedule of classes. You may find that classes are offered at hours that enable you to work full time and attend classes at night or on the weekends. Next, talk to your employer. You may be surprised-many corporations have tuition assistance programs. Then, apply for financial aid. You may be eligible for a federal grant, or you may want to take out a student loan. Either way, the first step is the application. Finally, do some homework in the library and on the Internet. There are plenty of scholarships out there, just waiting for someone to claim them! A financial aid counselor can help you get started with all these steps. Call the Office of Financial Aid and schedule an appointment.
You’re already in college and you want to be involved?
Contact your university’s office of Student Affairs or Student Activities to obtain a list of clubs and societies. If you’ve been in college a while, you probably have some idea what topics interest you most. If you love writing, find out if there is a poetry club or writers’ group to join. Be creative! Do you love history? If there is an archaeology department, they may be looking for volunteers to help out on a dig.
Don’t put it off. Get started on your life’s dream today. It can all begin with a simple phone call! Grace holds a Master’s in Education, and is an instructor at Armstrong State University.
