When mentioning college and the college experience, many people think of the younger years of their adult life. Typically, this period is when many people get their college education. However, not everyone gets their education during that period in their life.  

Learning has no age limit. From their motivations to return to school and their challenges in adapting and balancing academia with personal life to offering advice for fellow senior-age students, meet two non-traditional students of Arkansas State University. 

Motivations and Beginnings

Pam Graham, an administrative analyst at KASU from Marianna, Arkansas, said she started college when she was 27-years-old, but withdrew because of an unexpected pregnancy. 

Her decision to withdraw from her studies was not an easy choice, but she said she didn’t feel like she had the money, time and means to continue college. But, once she was ready to return, she said she was inspired to finish her degree as a personal accomplishment.

“It is something that I wanted to do for myself. I did not get a High School diploma when I graduated from High School, I got a GED,” Graham said. 

She said working for the university helped make her return to college more feasible financially, which was an initial concern for her. 

“I started working for Arkansas State and you get a big discount on any classes you take,” Graham said. “When I turned 60, I did not have to pay for classes unless it was online and that was a very low amount.”  

Betty (Irene) Hunt, a 74-year-old junior and English major from California, said she was compelled to pursue her degree, motivated by her talent for writing and poetry. Despite attending several colleges over the years, she faced numerous interruptions. 

“Life always seemed to get in the way, whether it was a move to a new state, a demanding job, health issues, or family needs that took precedence,” Hunt said. “I decided it was ‘now or never’ to finally commit to achieving my dream of earning a degree.”

Hunt said her experience at A-State has been wonderful and she’s especially grateful for the supportive professors and campus resources.

“I have been privileged to attend the classes of some great professors who have helped me along every step of the way,” Hunt said. “I revere the IT department for helping me out more often than I care to admit.”   

After transferring in the spring semester of 2024, Hunt said she felt overwhelmed but quickly felt welcomed by the A-State community. 

“Fellow classmates treat me pretty much like all the other “kids,” Hunt said. “No one has ever questioned my attending college at my age, although I did bristle once or twice when someone said ‘Well, good for you!’ with a slightly condescending smile.” 

Challenges

While their motivations are strong, both Graham and Hunt faced hardships as non-traditional students. 

Graham said she faced difficulties in adapting to assignments and course schedules as well as overcoming professor’s doubts about her capabilities due to her age. 

“I’ve been out of high school so long that it takes me more time in assignments and tests than it does traditional students,” Graham said. “Some of the professors I’ve had while working at A-State, did not want me to take their classes, I guess because they thought I couldn’t do it.”

One of Graham’s biggest challenges, however, has been forming connections and friendships.

“Some students look at me differently like, ‘what are you doing in my class?’” Graham said. 

Hunt, on the other hand, faced more personal challenges. She said that navigating ADHD and cognizance disorder has made it difficult to memorize and retain information. Additionally, she said balancing academics with her personal life was difficult.  

After she stopped working outside her home in 2016 and her husband died in 2022, she said she thought she would have more time to balance college and her personal life. But, she said she does not let the stigma of going back to school later in life stop her from pursuing her dreams.

“When I did go back to college at age 68, I was shocked to find that: A, I loved learning, just for the sake of gaining knowledge, B, despite my age, I still could learn, and C, I was smarter than I had thought I was,” Hunt said.

Advice from a senior 

Despite these hardships, Graham said her experience at A-State has been fun and exciting. She said she encourages others interested in returning to school in their later years to give it a try.

“If there is something that you want to do for yourself, I would say, go for it because it’s fun to learn new things,” Graham said. 

Hunt echoed this sentiment and said those who want to continue or start their higher education journey should take a deep breath and jump at the opportunity. 

“It is literally never too late, one is never too old and difficult obstacles are never too high to prevent one from attending college,” Hunt said. 

Categories: Life