Article by Karen Watson | Photography by Joshua Eller | Owl Staff
You might think of college as an explosion of youth, but according to the Office of Institutional Research, one third of the student body at Harford Community College is over twenty-five years of age. However, as a new student in my thirties, I had no idea if I was going to be accepted by my peers when I first began my journey at HCC.
After jumping from one warehouse job to another, I realized that I was not getting any younger. With each passing year, this type of work became more taxing on me, and I realized I needed to do something else with my life. My dreams of being a teacher were slipping through my fingers, and with two children at home looking at me for more, I had to make a decision.
So, I enrolled into Harford Community College as an English major.
During my time at HCC, I have faced ups and downs. I enjoy being a member of this community. I have met a lot of people I have come to admire, and I have learned so much. However, it is not easy when I have been away from a school environment for over ten years and the challenges faced are not always familiar.
I had forgotten most of the mathematics I learned in high school. I not only had to learn new concepts, but also refresh my mind to what I had already been taught years ago. I had to remember what an adverb was and in which way it should be used. I had never used Microsoft Word before now! I knew what a book report was, but not an essay. I had to learn the “new ways” of a school environment.
These challenges that I have faced are not subject to one individual, though. Kelly Walbeck, a former U.S. Marine who is also a first-time student at HCC pursuing a major in Paralegal studies, began attending college after working construction jobs for many years. Although she is grateful to be back into an educational environment, the experience comes with a new problem. “They did not have Internet the last time I wrote an essay. Now they expect me to know what I am doing, but I don’t. I need help through that process.”
Kelly had to learn the mechanics of being a college student. She adds that the professors at HCC have been very helpful in aiding her in the right direction to correct this problem. She visits the Tutoring Center in Fallston Hall and receives help from her professors during their office hours.
“I had forgotten most of the mathematics I learned in high school. I not only had to learn new concepts, but also refresh my mind to what I had already been taught years ago. I had to remember what an adverb was and in which way it should be used.”
Another adult student, Maureen Forbes, shares a different kind of challenge for older students. She explains, “College can be challenging because of adult responsibilities. I have two jobs, a mortgage, and many other bills. I am no longer living a carefree life under my parents’ roof.” This tends to be a problem for any student that is holding a job, raising children, paying bills, and going for a degree.
Though if students work hard and give it their all, they can not lose.
Assistant Professor of History Andrew Kellet adds, “Older students often have more outside responsibilities than their younger classmates, but this tends not to prevent them from doing their work on time and well.” He says that students who take their education seriously will succeed in college, which is what I think we all aim for.
Hopefully, through our challenges, older students can set an example for some of our younger peers. Although adult students do face some challenges that younger students may not, that does not mean that we cannot learn from each other. All students have a goal of receiving their degree and having a solid, desirable future.
Harford Community has set all of their students up for success. Whether one gets aid from their professors or through resources available on campus, help is only a building away. HCC has many resources available to all students that are in need of help through gaining their degrees.
RESOURCES
* The Tutoring Center in Fallston Hall offers free tutoring in writing, math, and any subject as needed. Contact Diana Pinargotte at 443-412-2427 for additional information.
* Student advising in the Student Center can assist with scheduling classes to fit your busy lifestyle. Walk-in hours are Monday-Friday or contact by email through http://www.harford.edu.
*College Life offers an adult orientation each semester. Contact Sharon Adams at 443-412-2140 for details.