|
|
Feature Story | Tell us your story! |
| ||
|
 |
 BackCollege at Mid-Life? Take the Chance! At the age of seventeen I graduated from high school and entered the workforce as a secretary. Because my high school academic record had been less than stellar, college was not in my plans for the future. At the time, I was sure I'd never be able to succeed in college. Over the next two decades, I started to feel capable of more challenging work. Nevertheless, I noticed most employers were seemly unwilling to promote even the most dedicated and capable employee unless he or she possessed a college degree. I realized I'd be forever trapped in low paying, go-nowhere positions. To improve my chances for a successful career change, returning to higher education was essential. The process of believing I could obtain a degree happened gradually. First, I struggled with all the usual reasons why I could not succeed--I was too old; I couldn't juggle work, family and school; we didn't have the money; and most significantly, I felt I didn't have the ability, a.k.a., self-confidence. After mentally pumping myself up, I started at Community College of Vermont with two courses I thought would be enjoyable–history and psychology. This method of 'dipping the big toe' worked for me. The classes were challenging, yet fun. Best of all, I "fit in" because most of my fellow students were adults with children and/or jobs, and the instructors viewed the adult student's life experiences as valuable. With good grades from these first courses, and compliments from my advisors and instructors, I was inspired to move forward. Professors who had taught both in a traditional college setting and at the community college which enrolled a large number of "non-traditional" students, frequently expressed their appreciation for the adult student's desire to learn. This encouraged me even more. After a few semesters, I took an "Assessment of Prior Learning" course which awards students credit for knowledge obtained through work and life experiences. This hastened the pace at which I was earning credits toward my Associates Degree, and saved money as well! (Incidentally, most community colleges offer similar courses.) My success at the community college level diminished most of my earlier insecurities about being a capable student. Along with these fears, the financial hardships had lessened because by this time, I worked for an organization that would pay most of my tuition. When I enrolled in a four-year program, I chose Vermont College because of its adult-focused, low-residency programs. At Vermont College, the student self-designs his or her study with the guidance of faculty members. I was able to tailor my study to exactly what I wanted to focus on for my future career. The program is specifically designed with the adult student in mind. The college provides a challenging learning environment and a nurturing structure. This combination reduces fears of students who have been out of academics for many years; it also cultivates a students self-confidence. Juggling the roles of full-time student, employee, mother and wife was difficult, but the excitement of learning, combined with the support form the faculty and staff, quickly reversed all my doubts. Supportive family and friends helped with childcare so I could attend the once-a-month weekend sessions. Housework became a share-and-share-alike partnership with my husband. My early-to-bed, early-to-rise philosophy quickly switched to "late-to-bed, early to-rise" to accommodate reading, writing, and study time. The college faculty adeptly guided me through the process of learning to read with a critical eye, enhanced my reflective thinking process, and helped me find my own voice in writing. Most important, everyone was supportive during those times when I felt totally overwhelmed–family, friends, co-workers, supervisors and fellow students. My years in undergraduate school became the paradoxical "took forever, but went quickly" situation. I received a Bachelor's Degree some twenty-three years and one month after my high school graduation. Most of my family and friends who had been there for me in one way or another were on hand for the ceremony. A year later I enrolled in the Master's program at Vermont College. Once again I found a supportive learning environment well-suited to the adult student's needs. Twenty-six years after high school graduation, the woman who, as a teenager, barely squeaked through high school now holds a Master's Degree focused in-of all fields– Higher Education! Returning to school as an adult was not an easy process. During my college career I encountered many of the classical mid-life crises: my husband's parents both became ill and died; additionally, we cared for my mother-in-law in our home the last two years of her life; my father almost died and had to have open heart surgery; our family business experienced serious financial setbacks; my children turned into-teenagers (enough said); and I was downsized out of a job I loved and forced into accepting a less responsible position within my organization in order to continue receiving the tuition coverage benefits. I think if I had been enrolled in any other program, I would not have been able to accomplish as much as I did at Vermont College. Throughout it all, I received encouragement from a fantastic educational institution which considers that adult students have lives outside of the classroom–the structure of the program, as well as its flexibility allows adult students to accomplish educational goals while still having a life. The support I received from family and friends, and the networking of fellow students who truly understand what it means to take on this challenge at mid-life, also helped me achieve my goals. The increase in my sense of self-esteem, my value as an employee (or entrepreneur, if I so choose) and my heightened aspirations, are results of taking the chance to tackle the once unapproachable thought of higher education. As I move now into the new career I have fashioned over the last few years, I hope to dedicate my life to helping other adults reap the benefits of returning to college at "non-traditional" ages. I am a firm believer that "it is never too late to learn." Having shared my time in undergraduate and graduate programs with women and men who returned to college in their forties, fifties, sixties, and even beyond, I see the incredible value of this process. Not only are there tangible benefits–the degree itself, the potential for promotions or job change, but the intrinsic value of having succeeded at something which once eluded one, is exhilarating. I encourage anyone who is considering a return to higher education to take the chance. Do so cautiously if you are still in the initial phase of uncertainty. Find at least one supportive family member or friend who will be there to encourage you. Try to choose a college which has a support system for adult students. Prepare yourself to experience some frustration, but also realize you will gain invaluable self-satisfaction as you make progress. A new world awaits you, and whether or not it means a job change, it will provide you with a genuine feeling of accomplishment. The time, energy and even the hardships of being an adult student are most assuredly worth the price. Vivian Cullen graduated from Vermont College with a BA in 1998, and an MA in 2001. The focus of her self-designed studies was Adult Higher Education Administration. ©2001 Vivian Cullen. |
 |
Vivian Cullen Vermont College BA, MA |
||||||||||
Home About NDG Contact Us Privacy
| ||||||||||||||
