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Celebrating non-traditional students This is Non-Traditional Students Week in the U.S. Many schools across the country are running programs this week to recognize their adult students, and to communicate the programs developed to serve them. It seems like an appropriate time to pause and reflect on what it means to be an adult student. We've all experienced the difficulties, but what about the advantages we have? Here's my list of 10 reasons to celebrate being a non-traditional student. I'm sure you'll have your own. 1. We DO get a second chance. The wide range of ages in most evening and weekend classes constantly reminds me that it's never too late to go to school. And even students who did poorly the first time around are likely to succeed as adult students. 2. We truly appreciate our education. Our goals are more defined and practical, so it's easier to see the value of our classes. 3. We have the satisfaction of doing something important for ourselves. At the same time, it will have benefits far beyond us – to our families and communities. 4. We get to experiment. One of the advantages of going to school while holding a job is that we can test the new concepts we're learning in the real world. We can then fine-tune them in a non-threatening classroom environment. 5. We have the opportunity to share the knowledge and experience we've gained in the world with an attentive and appreciative audience. Just think – we may even be in a position to teach the teacher! 6. Education multiplies our career options. It opens doors – some that we hadn't even seen before. It also better prepares us to cope with change. 7. College gives us unparalleled opportunities to network. Our support systems expand beyond job, family and friends. The guidance our teachers and fellow students can offer in their areas of expertise is especially important when we plan to switch fields. 8. We often get better grades than traditional students – sometimes to our amazement. That's because we're more focused and more involved in our studies. 9. We make our families proud. Many adult students are the first in their families to go to college. 10. Most important, we make ourselves proud. There is nothing to match the sense of accomplishment upon graduation, especially after all those moments when we thought we'd never make it! 11/06/01 TOP |
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