Newspapers / Brevard College Student Newspaper / Sept. 21, 1988, edition 1 / Page 7
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The Clarion September 21, 1988 Page 7 Older students add maturity to BC campus life by Penni S. Todd An estimated 12 percent of BC students are older than the 17 to 20-year-old freshman. Older students fit a non-traditional category, sophomores born before 1967 or freshmen born before 1%8. If students have recently graduated high school and are 18-20, they are considered traditional students. What’s it like being an “older student” at BC? The advantages of being older in an educational environment seem obvious. Maturity and experience might seem to give them an edge. Rick Redmond, 22, freshman, says he has “a lot more objec tives on reaching goals.” Other advan tages are that these students seemingly come to Brevard College with “for mulated, definite goals,” according to Dean of the College, Dr. Harry Langley. So there is a positive side to being older. Enrollment in College at an older age takes courage for some. Most non- traditional students feel that a lot of oppor tunities are closed to them without a degree or education. “To focus on challenge and a direction on life,” was 33 year-old Trudy Taylor’s decision toward enrollment. One student experienced both sides. At 18, Scott McClellan’s decision for enrolling in college was based on “getting away from home and excitement of being Qut of high school.” But after a three-year period without school, Scott, now 21, enrolled for different reasons: “Higher standards and better life style,” sent him searching for an educa tion. Many non-traditional students agreed that an all-around education and better ment was the basis of their decisions for enrollment. Students at an older age do have their share of disadvantages. As traditional students prepare for another year, non- traditionals must adapt to a new life. Rick Redman feels “as though I’m taking a step backwards.” Others like Russ Bayne are “used to being in charge” of their lives. While taking on new responsibilities and sacrificing some freedom, Trudi Taylor adds college to her responsibilities of hus band and daughter, yet manages to keep a 4.0 grade point average and stay active in Phi Theta Kappa. Another disadvantage, says Lin Redmond, 26, is that “older stu dent s minds tend not to click as quickly, but being around younger students adds a stimulating zest to life.” The attitude of the non-tradifional students appears more sincere than that of the traditional student. Dean of the Col lege, Dr. Harry Langley, says, “they come back because they want to come back and they value their educational experience highly.” Setting high standards and striv ing for success are part of the older stu dent’s attitude. But for older students like Scott McClellan it meant “proving a point and a second chance.” Some of the advice offered from the non- traditional students: “Take advantage and don’t get behind in your career goals,” says Scott McClellan. Trudy Taylor says “What you get out of it is what you put into it.” Finally, Rick Redmond advises, “Stay hungry for life — no matter your age.” If traditional students take this advice to heart, maybe they would leave Brevard College with non-traditional student values and wisdom. Goals like, those of an accountant, bio chemist, nuclear physicist, and architec tural engineer are all career goals set by the' interviewed older students. A noticeable quality in the non-traditional student is that each wants to be a positive force in our world. r I i Older students at BC. left to right, are Dell Porter, Scott McClellan, Trudy Taylor, Penni Todd and Rick Redmond. If Vd known then what I know now That was then...this is now... by Biar Orrell Have you ever just looked back at all the young, crazed things you’ve done and questioned what motivated you to do them? Have you ever looked back at old photos of yourself and wondered why your hair dresser let you walk around like that? The clincher: Have you ever said, “Mom, you were right.” Shew, that one hurts. I sometimes find it entertaining to look back at the silly, “nerdy” aspects of my P3st— it only shows progress. For in stance, if I’d only known that not only are looks” not important, but they’re misleading, I might have looked in some other directions, or closed my eyes or something. If I’d only known that the energy I spent trying to impress strangers who didn’t care and wouldn’t be there for the outcome "'as not deferred gratification, but just fisted energy, I might would have relax- and started doing my own thing a bit sooner. If I’d only known that “shock identity” y lasts as long as the shock itself, and the identity is lost in the confusion, I *^'g would have chilled-out on the hair spray. Sometimes I sit and wonder, “Who am I living for?” Later it hits me. from the anti-cosmos, “I’m living for BiSr, me, me, me.” Try saying that sometime; it feels pretty good. Life, in relativity, is short. If you expect too much of yourself and others, you may decrease the potential with the rush. I m, by nature- I will say, a rushed person. I sometimes cut wonderful things short with my impatience. Yoga’s the answer. I’m sure. . If I’d only known that when I m runnmg late, I can’t blame everyone else for being slow, well...I’m sure I blew a few brain cells with that stress factor. 1 wish I’d known that, although living for tomorrow can be productive, I defeat the purpose when I sacrifice the enjoyment of today. “Relax,” I try to tell myself. But in such a hustle-bustle, competitive world, I have fears of getting lost in the shuffle. It’s run, move, go; don’t stop until you get there, and then don’t hang-out too long. But on the flip side, it’s also slow down, enjoy, stop-look-and-listen. Lower that • • • blood pressure, and live for the moment. If I’d only discovered for myself the balance of harmonies a little sooner, the yin and yang, I might have less gray hair now, or be a great deal more casual, not so serious all the time. And you know, if I couldn’t say, “If I’d only known...,” then it would just be an in dication of what little I’ve learned in my 24 years. So when you look back on mistakes or lessons learned or even “fun stuff,” see it as growth— and move on. “Kissin’ like a bandit, stealin’ time,” sings Terrance Trent, and I’m singing with him this time. Occasionally, that’s how life is, you’ve got to get it and go. No hangin’ out for this woman. Life and karma and balance, it all works so mysteriously. I hate trying to figure it out, because that’s the dying feat. So, I guess, thank God for journals and moms and Fridays and faith and ice cream cones and telephones and friends and music and pregnant sisters, and you name it. There’s an outlet for everything. And she told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on. If I’d only known Brevard College would still be functioning, the walls would still be standing when I left . nah, I’d still be here.
Brevard College Student Newspaper
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Sept. 21, 1988, edition 1
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