By Dawn Heinbach
I was so ready to start at KU last fall. Like many other non-traditional students who transfer here, I had graduated from Reading Area Community College and was excited about the next step in my educational journey.
Even though I am older than most students ā even non-trads ā by many years, I had never felt out of place at RACC. Its student body is extremely diverse in ages, ethnic backgrounds and a whole host of other demographic identifiers. In addition, like most RACC students, I had excelled in my classes and extracurricular activities. I had no reason to believe that things would be more difficult at KU. But then I began to hear complaints from other non-trads who had transferred before me.
āThe teacher never calls on me, even when I raise my hand.ā
āThe head of the department told me that I would never be able to handle the work load of my major because I am older and have kids.ā
āOne professor basically asked me what Iām doing here, I guess because of my age.ā
āI didnāt feel welcome at all. I almost quit.ā
What? This didnāt sound like the KU I had imagined. While I believe the experiences of those students, I also know that change is difficult for most people. At RACC, we had accomplished a lot. Professors and other students knew who we were. When we transfer, we start over again. People at KU donāt know what weāve accomplished until we show them. I think thatās fair. This is my second semester here, and I have nothing negative to report. I love KU, and I think KU loves me.
One weird thing is that I am older than some of my professors. However, my first thought is not, āI am older than they are so I know more than they do.ā
I learn new things from every professor whose class I have the honor of taking. I believe that my professors appreciate me in their classroom. For those who may have issues with non-trad students, I advise them to remember that we pay tuition and have just as much right to be here as anyone else.
Even though I know that the younger generation views someone my age as āreally old,ā I donāt think younger students look at me strangely or even pay attention to me being older ā and if they do, so what? I am here to learn; I am here for me and no one else. I donāt feel old; my mind is very young. I appreciate all the people I meet and encourage other students, and professors as well, to value students of all ages in their classrooms. I know that I can learn just as much from a 19-year-old student as I can from a 39-year-old professor, and I would hope that they are open enough to view me in the same capacity.
Anyone who has the courage to attend and succeed at college ā no matter the reason or their age ā should be applauded and embraced with open arms.
One response to “What KU has taught me about being a non-traditional student”
I love non-traditional students. They have experience, confidence in speaking up, and a wealth of knowledge to give to younger undergrads. I LOVE how they can push a class to be more outspoken and involved in their education. Maybe it’s MY age but I think they have a whole lot to offer.