"A college degree is the gift I have chosen to give to myself. It is one of the few things I have done for myself in the past fifteen years. I have been Mom, wife, and a volunteer in three different organizations. I have taken care of everyone but myself.
  Beginning college after the age of thirty-five can be interesting and challenging. I thought I would be the only adult on campus surrounded by nineteen year old kids. Happily, I am not the only nontraditional student here. I knew going to school would require changes in my children's schedules, juggling my homework with making them do their homework. Trying to keep up with all their activities and some of my volunteering
has been unbelievable and hysterically funny at times.. Some days I wonder what I was thinking, or if I was thinking at all when I decided to do this.
   I have been here one semester and have not yet taken my final exams. Despite the headaches of child care and homework, I have enjoyed these past four months more than I could have imagined. Please note: Anything less than six hours of sleep and I can become a cranky and slightly distracted student so don't take it personally ifl forget to say hi in the hallways."

Lonnie Sheffey
Nursing Major
Concerned about Chemistry

"My experiences on beginning college have been quite interesting. I was really afraid I would not fit in with the younger crowd,( I am 45 years old.) This is one of the biggest fears that we have. I found out very quickly that there were more of nontraditional students than I expected. The teachers and staff have been really helpful at all times. The teachers seem to be really impressed that we have chosen to do this at this time in our Iives. They are always willing to help in any way they can. The younger students are really great towards you. They seem to enjoy the experience we bring to our classes. Overall it has been a most rewarding experience. I have learned a lot of things about myself. I have obtained the courage to try new things and not be afraid to ask for help. lt has been little rough getting adjusted to studying, but I would tell anyone that it is something definitely worth doing. lt is never to late to further your education, whether your doing it to get a better job or just for self fulfillment, it is definitely worth it. Don't be afraid to try. You will have lots of encouragement and make new friends who will help you along the way. "

Alma Gilliland, Accounting Major sophomore in the fall.

"As a college student for the first time at 45 years old I have found it to be a great challenge, but also an exciting one. I was very nervous when I first started, because I had been out of high school for twenty seven years. After the first couple of days I began to relax and now J enjoy the challenge of learning again. I have realized that my goals are obtainable if I just keep focused at what I am doing. I have really enjoyed the first year and am looking forward to the remaining year that I have to get my degree. "

Anita Coffey

"It was a very big challenge for me to return to school. I graduated from high school 22 years ago. It has been rough, but I had help. All of the office staff at Cleveland State have been very helpful, and all of my teachers have been very understanding and more than willing to help. I want to thank everyone for making something very stressful enjoyable."

Thank you
Lisa Cooper