2008 Woodie Awards
Adult student reflects on college a second time
Guest Editorial
Lee Warren
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Editorial
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By Lee Warren
UTC Adult Atudent
So, I am an "adult student"
I have difficulty with this term, because I have difficulty seeing myself as an "adult," much less a "student."
In Webster's Dictionary, an adult is defined as someone between the ages of 19 and 63, so I guess in a way most of us at UTC are adult students.
I suppose I am an adult. I am almost 40. I have a beautiful wife, a son, a house and all those things most people strive for as "adults."
And as my study partner reminds me, I am old enough to be her father. Fortunately, we laugh about this and she is now a great friend.
I returned to college last spring. I have some more classes to take beyond my bachelor's degree from 1989 in order to even apply for the nursing program here at UTC.
I hope I can make it in. This is the start of a new chapter in my life. While most men my age are buying convertibles, boats or vacation homes, I am returning to poverty to follow a dream.
I must admit, things have changed a lot since I first graduated from college 17 years ago.
This time, when I left for college that first day, my wife stopped me in the driveway. She told me to "march back in that house, and dress appropriately for school. No button-up shirt and tie for you, mister, wear jeans and a T-shirt."
My book bag was a briefcase. I had to buy a calculator which had more memory than my first computer. I was older than half my teachers.
Why do I mention these changes? Why should anyone care? I guess it is a life lesson. Never stop learning. I thought I had it all. I was top in my field, highly sought after for professional advice, had a nice house with a pool and hot tub, spent weekends traveling, and had never made so much money. I was on top of the world. There was nothing I had not done.
One day, my boss called me into her office, and told me things have changed. I was now outdated. I had stopped learning. I was to be a part of a RIF.
UTC Adult Atudent
So, I am an "adult student"
I have difficulty with this term, because I have difficulty seeing myself as an "adult," much less a "student."
In Webster's Dictionary, an adult is defined as someone between the ages of 19 and 63, so I guess in a way most of us at UTC are adult students.
I suppose I am an adult. I am almost 40. I have a beautiful wife, a son, a house and all those things most people strive for as "adults."
And as my study partner reminds me, I am old enough to be her father. Fortunately, we laugh about this and she is now a great friend.
I returned to college last spring. I have some more classes to take beyond my bachelor's degree from 1989 in order to even apply for the nursing program here at UTC.
I hope I can make it in. This is the start of a new chapter in my life. While most men my age are buying convertibles, boats or vacation homes, I am returning to poverty to follow a dream.
I must admit, things have changed a lot since I first graduated from college 17 years ago.
This time, when I left for college that first day, my wife stopped me in the driveway. She told me to "march back in that house, and dress appropriately for school. No button-up shirt and tie for you, mister, wear jeans and a T-shirt."
My book bag was a briefcase. I had to buy a calculator which had more memory than my first computer. I was older than half my teachers.
Why do I mention these changes? Why should anyone care? I guess it is a life lesson. Never stop learning. I thought I had it all. I was top in my field, highly sought after for professional advice, had a nice house with a pool and hot tub, spent weekends traveling, and had never made so much money. I was on top of the world. There was nothing I had not done.
One day, my boss called me into her office, and told me things have changed. I was now outdated. I had stopped learning. I was to be a part of a RIF.
