College Ready Column--Returning To School: It's Never Too Late

by Fallon Willoughby, 
AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coach, ECHS
When I first began working as a tutor at the Alice Rowe Learning Assistance Center (LAC) at WKU, many of the people I helped were nontraditional students.  While “Nontraditional Students” is a broad term that covers things such as a student who is married, or has children, often for us it referred to adults who were returning to college to earn their degree.
 
I heard many powerful stories tutoring folks, and they became my favorite students to help. One man, who was a successful realtor, came back in his 60s simply because he had never had the chance before.  He had been drafted into the Vietnam War, and when he came back he was not able to. Coming to us for help with his math class, he was a great student and graduated with his degree. Another lady was coming back, and going to classes even though she was battling cancer. I helped veterans, and women who were coming to get a degree after a divorce so they could have a better job. 
 
I heard many various stories. But they all had one thing in common. These were people who had made the decision to do something they wanted, if not needed. They worked towards their goal. They had already overcome so many obstacles in their life, they had wonderful and heartbreaking stories. Working hard was something that was not new to them. When faced with a challenge or having difficulty in class, they came to those who could help them.  They did not try to do it alone.
 
It is never too late to try and reach your dreams.  I learned this very important lesson from so many.  It was a wonderful feeling to have them come back and tell me that because of their help they got an A on that math test. Or because of the LAC, they passed the final class they had to graduate.  We worked hard to help them.  There are many people out there who will help you along your own path to your dream.
 
If that dream involves going back to school, you should attend our Adult Education night at the Edmonson County Public Library. It will be on March 24th at 6 pm.  Audrey Price, an outreach counselor for Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) will be presenting about returning to school. John Roberts from Glasgow WKU, and Penny Poteet from the Education Outreach Center at WKU will both be there as well.  It will be a great night to come learn about the opportunities available to you, as well as learning about the process. 
 
Attend our Adult Education Night!
Guest Speaker: Audrey Price, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) Outreach Counselor
Guests:  John Roberts, Glasgow WKU; Penny Poteet, Educational Outreach Counselor
Location: Edmonson County Public Library, 503 Washington St, Brownsville, KY 42210
Date: March 24th 2016          Time: 6:00 pm