Student Profiles

Marla

"I’ve been a full-time mom since high school graduation, staying at home with our children and running our home business. In the past, I’ve taken a few classes as I could fit them into my schedule. I discovered the Center for New Learning and looked into their program offerings. CNL has satellite programs at some regional technical colleges and two-year campuses, so I can earn my bachelor’s degree from UW Oshkosh by taking classes at UW-Washington County.

The accelerated, seven-week format helped me enroll full-time, yet allowed me to focus on only two or three evening classes at a time. Without this program, I wouldn’t have found the opportunity to complete my degree so quickly, much less so close to home and my family.

Going back to school today at UW Oshkosh is so convenient that there is almost no excuse not to. An education truly opens doors — and everyone deserves that opportunity."

Anne

"I earned my associate degree at a community college in Saginaw, Michigan. Soon after, I joined the Navy, but I always wanted to go back to school and finish what I had started. After getting married, having two kids and serving six years in the service, I enrolled at UW Oshkosh.

After 14 years, I had a level of maturity and wisdom about life that I didn’t have during my first college experience. I may have to work harder than some for my grades, but I believe the effort is worth it because of the confidence and pride that I feel after completing a class and doing well.

I’ve also found that being active in student organizations like the Nontraditional Student Organization (NTSO) and the Accounting Club has given me a connectedness and support system that would be difficult to attain any other way."

Rachel

"I love working with kids. I started my career as a preschool teacher in inner-city Chicago, but after my children were born I took some time off to raise them. When my youngest son started kindergarten, I decided it was time for me to get back to my passion — teaching.

I am currently pursuing my teaching licensure in the PK-6 Elementary Education Program and am working toward an ESL/bilingual certificate and a minor in Spanish. School is definitely different the second time around. I wasn’t sure what to expect. My first college experience involved a lot of student activities, ski trips and fun experiences. I may have taken my education a little for granted then. Not anymore.

I think with age comes wisdom and appreciation. The courses have more meaning now, and I find that I put more effort into them. Going back to school as a nontraditional student has turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life."

Damion

"I have a passion for growing organic fruits and vegetables and even started a community garden in Oshkosh. I’ve always been attracted to the outdoors, but only recently did I realize that I could make a career of it.

Going back to school is a much different experience for me this time around. Since I’ve matured, my outlook on life and my appreciation for school has changed. I don’t think I would have taken it as seriously or done as well 10 years ago. It has taken me time to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, and UW Oshkosh has given me the opportunity to explore my passion."

Dawn

"My husband served in the 1991 Gulf War and is a disabled veteran. He’s spent a lot of time in hospitals, and I’ve learned a lot about hospital care from assisting him. My goal is to be a critical care nurse in an intensive care unit, where I’ll have hands-on time with patients.

Having been away from school for 25 years, I was concerned about going to college. Would I be smart enough? Would I still be able to learn? The nursing program at UW Oshkosh has taught me about myself and helped me build my confidence to know that I can do this."

Ron

"I was an electrical engineer in the states of Washington and Illinois. When I retired in 2002, I decided to change careers. Teaching has always been something I’ve wanted to do full-time, so I enrolled in the education program at UW Oshkosh.

The biggest hang-up for anyone my age is the perception that they will be considered “strange,” if they go back to school. After all, 20-somethings go to college and older adults have careers. The people in the Adult Nontraditional Student Resource (ANSR) Office helped me through this misconception and guided me through my transition into student life."

Blaine

"I earned the position of plant manager in a contract sheet metal manufacturing firm the old-fashioned way: through hard work and experience. Business was booming in 2000, but then September 11, 2001, brought production to a standstill. I had taken some business courses here and there from other colleges and universities, but the experience was not very rewarding. That changed when I enrolled at UW Oshkosh.

My instructors knew their disciplines and took the time to help me develop my skills and abilities by encouraging me to conduct independent research. Being able to dig into things on my own with the guidance and support of the staff is what I expected from a university. The quality of the instructors, the one-on-one mentoring and the courses at UW Oshkosh have helped me get back on track."