The SKiNNY on Non-Traditional Students

Non-traditional is becoming the new normal, but that doesn't mean it's easy. This episode is dedicated to any student who doesn't fit the "full-time-18-year-old-freshman-with-a-HS-diploma-who-doesn't-have-to-work-and-doesn't-have-kids" mold.

#SoCanU: From CC to PhD, an adult student proves it's never too late to go back to college

Featured below is an interview with another #SoCanU project rockstar, Jan! Jan graduated from Clatsop Community College in 2006 graduated with her bachelor's degree at Pacific University Magna Cum Laude with a triple major in art, creative writing, and literature. She is currently a PhD candidate. 

Favorite thing to do on the weekends? 
I love church with my Welsh friends, Skyping family in the US, and reading or watching episodes of Star Trek!

Favorite food/meal?
Homemade fish and chips... sooooooo incredibly good.

What made you decide to choose community college? 
It was the nearest school and as a "more mature" student (I graduated high school in 1965 - seriously!), it just felt like a great place to start.

Were there any obstacles in your life prior to attending community college that you had to overcome? 
 My father didn't think girls needed further education as he thought educated women took jobs from men, who would ultimately provide for families. 

I disagree and feel that an educated populace is the way to peace. All eight of my children have been educated beyond high school and are currently giving back to the world, being part of the solution to today's challenges...and four of them are girls!

What obstacles did you overcome in community college and/or in your transfer university to achieve your degree? 
I didn't realize that there can be some prejudice in universities toward transfer students. I became VP and then President of Connections, a program designed to help those in transition. It was great to be part of the solution.

What is one of the most important things that helped you succeed in community college and beyond? 
Reaching out and becoming involved, exercising curiosity about others, and a having a desire to learn.

What are you most excited about for your future right now? 
I will finish my PhD in Creative Writing in 2015 and graduate in with my cohort in 2016. I've written an historic novel, learned to research, developed a network of friends all over the world and look forward to lecturing, writing, and sharing what I have gained. 

What is the best piece of advice you can give our readers who are currently attending community college? 
Learn more than is assigned, dream big, and above all, ask questions and discover how to find answers. By doing this you will also become part of the solution to humanity's challenges and make the world a better place.

#SoCanU: From struggling in HS to a master's degree

Featured below is an interview with another #SoCanU project rockstar, Debbie! Debbie graduated from St. Louis Community College in December 2011 and received a bachelor's in speech communication from Webster University in May 2013. She will graduate with her master's this December!

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
It depends on the season. Now that it is summer, I like to take advantage of what St. Louis has to offer. Urban hiking, new foods, concerts in the park, the Muny, zoo, float trips and so much more!

Favorite food/meal?
Mexican food or Panda Express (Whataburger if I'm in the south).

What made you decide to choose community college?
I was not a good high school student. I had attended three high schools in three different states. I felt I needed to start somewhere small to test the waters and see if I was even college material.

What obstacles did you overcome in community college and/or in your transfer university to achieve your degree?
The only obstacles I fought and won were the people around me telling me I was doing too much and why bother with this society called Phi Theta Kappa. At my age I shouldn't bother with it. I should just go to school and be done.

What is one of the most important things that helped you succeed in community college and beyond?
Stay involved!!!!! Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Kappa Delta (debate team) and community service. Learn from the classroom and learn from life. Build your resume and build your character.

What are you most excited about for your future right now?
Now that I have found things I love doing, it's time for someone to pay me for doing them. Searching for the right career with the right pay and the right culture.

What is the best piece of advice you can give our readers who are currently attending community college?
Never give up and use the obstacles and hardships as part of your experience. Fight for your education. Remember it's not just to improve your life but the lives of those around you. If you are setting your goals and driving to achieve them, you are already AWESOME!

Ask Isa: "How do I calm my nerves as a returning adult student?"

From the Ask Isa Inbox:

Dear Isa

This is for students who have been out of school for over 15 years: How do calm your aniexty? I feel so scared and nervous because I don't want to feel like the old, dumb lady in class.

Sincerely,

Over the Hill
-----

Dear Over the Hill,

Actually, let's change your name...

Dear Amazing Go-Getter,

Congratulations on going back to college! All students feel nervous before starting college, and I know the nerves can be even greater for non-traditional students returning to school after some time. 

However, I want to let you know that you are one of the main reasons I fell in love with community colleges. While I was traditional age when I started community college, many of my friends were older. And here's the thing...

I didn't really notice.

There's something beautifully democratic and equalizing about the classroom environment; in my experience, age became hazy and we were all just students trying to learn. 

Here are some things that I hope will help calm your nerves:

1) Remember that you are doing something many other adults dream of doing but let that (understandable) fear get in the way of taking that first step. Take a moment and allow yourself to be proud of what you've done so far.

2) Sit in the front of the class and do all of your homework. You have just as much skill and potential as everyone else in the class. Hard work, not age, will determine success.  

3) Visit each professor and explain your anxiety. Ask for their advice. I've only ever heard professors speak highly of their adult students - they often love their motivation and diligence. 

4) Join a club that interests you and get involved on campus. Though adult students often have more responsibilities outside of the classroom, I've still seen many find the time to become club leaders and win amazing scholarships. It's also a great way to begin to get more comfortable. 

5) Find other non-traditional students and share your stories. Some campuses have clubs just for adult students. You are not alone, and it can be very comforting to find other students in your situation. Don't hide your anxiety but instead be open and share it with others. You'll be surprised to find out most in your situation are feeling the same way, and those who are younger will often exclaim they don't even think of you as "old" but just as their classmate. 

Best of luck in this new endeavor. I applaud you for taking this big step; it's exciting! You are what community colleges are all about. 

And remember that nerves usually mean you're about to do something important. 

Sincerely,

Isa

Any non-traditional students out there? Please share what helped you calm your nerves and succeed in the comments or on the Facebook page!