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As far as why I decided to attend college—it has always been a dream of mine to earn my degree. Both of my parents are professors, and when I married young and had children, I knew that one day I, too, would follow in my parent's footsteps. I originally attended Douglass, but I needed the security that if needed, I could attend part-time. That is one of the reasons I chose to switch to UCC. I also found the entire UCC system to be adult-friendly. Everything is located in the same building, and things in general are just easier to navigate at a place that understands that adults have some major responsibilities outside of school.

Attending Rutgers has been a dream come true, and as a nontraditional student, I believe that I'm gaining that much more. I appreciate every moment of learning, the remarkable professors, and the stimulating curriculum. I am now a UCC honors student, as well as an English honors student, and I have been busy working on a thesis this summer. I know that my children (ages 15, 14, 12, 8, and 7) are very proud of me, and when they see the time I put into my homework, they are (sometimes!) inspired to do the same. I share my successes with them, and they see that hard work and commitment pay off. The best part is that I share Rutgers with them—they have seen the campus, gone into the library, and hear all about my many experiences on campus. I have heard them proudly tell their friends, 'My mother goes to Rutgers!'

My motivation to return to school and earn a degree came after enrolling into the Elena Buchanan Transition program. I was out of school for a number of years and the program helped me realize it was okay to return to school at this time in my life. It took away any reservations I had and gave me the confidence I needed. I chose University College Community because UCC gave me the opportunity to go to school part time, and still maintain my status of being a full time mom, wife and employee. I now have an opportunity to receive a degree being an employee of the University. As a nontraditional student, my needs are met here at the University. I wouldn't have been able to return to school otherwise. I now have the liberty to earn a degree as an "adult student attending school part-time, full time, any time, and all the time."

I have been an employee here at Rutgers for over 10 years. Working at Rutgers has afforded me the opportunity for a comfortable living and an education. During the course of marriage and raising a son it was very hard to focus on my education. I had two very important people relying on me for support, time and love. Now, that I am a widow due to the untimely death of my husband and my son is now married with three beautiful children putting me in the "Grandmother" category I have more time for me.

I have been an employee here at Rutgers for over 10 years. Working at Rutgers has afforded me the opportunity for a comfortable living and an education. During the course of marriage and raising a son it was very hard to focus on my education. I had two very important people relying on me for support, time and love. Now that I am a widow—due to the untimely death of my husband—and now that my son is married with three beautiful children of his own (putting me in the "Grandmother" category!), I have more time for me.

I was admitted to University College back in the 80s on the Newark campus. I was very relieved to know that I didn't have to struggle through the re-admission process due to the existence of the "Elena Buchanan Transition Program". Because of this special program that is designed especially for individuals out of school for 10 years or more . . . my transition back into the world of academia was smooth and painless. The program was like a key opening doors that would have been closed. I was very excited with the idea that support was there and most of all encouragement when I needed it. The deans and counselors at UCC have been angels in my eyes. Since graduating from the Transition program in April 2006, I've been taking classes vigorously each semester and plan to continue to do so until I walk with the other graduates in the "Class of 2010."

Thank-you Rutgers-UCC!!!

Returning to School as a Nontraditional Student

I was employed as an optician for many years at a small local optical store. Although I enjoyed my job and the convenience of being accessible to my children my professional options were becoming limited. Opticians are not in high demand due to procedures such as Lasik. Also, my employers had informed us that they were planning to sell the business within the next two years. I felt this was my threshold of opportunity to make a change.

I was motivated to return to school to complete my degree shortly after attending my daughter's graduation. Watching her accept her Masters degree, which she had worked so hard for, filled me with pride. She inspired and encouraged me to complete my education as did my husband and my two boys. They all knew that I had regrets about not completing my education years before so I took my first step by applying to Rutgers University.

I chose University College Community because I was the perfect example of the "Nontraditional student; adult, some college credits, lots of work experience and a desire to complete a personal goal.

University College Community has been very supportive and encouraging in my educational journey. Shaheen Fatima has been exceptional in guiding me during this time when I needed all the support I could get. I had many concerns about returning to school full time but I felt it was the smartest and quickest way to get my degree. It was quite obvious that I was considerably older, I wasn't sure I would even remember how to study; also I wasn't sure how the other students or teachers would react towards me.

Fortunately, I have had wonderful experiences with both professors and students, who help me, encourage me and inspire me. I have a great appreciation for the level of intelligence demonstrated in so many of my classes. Students are so much more sophisticated than I was at 18. When I am invited to participate in a study group with students so much younger than I am, I feel they are reaching out to help me fulfill my goal. They have been my best cheerleaders and have often told me how "cool" they think it is that I'm changing my life.

My major is Spanish and I have chosen this because of my family background and because of my desire to teach. I expect to receive my bachelors degree in 2008 (I hope) and complete my masters in 2009, after having been accepted into the Graduate School of Education this past spring.

I am happy to share my experience with anyone who is considering returning to school. It is never too late to strive toward goals, you are never too old to have dreams and taking one small step can change your life in just one year, it did for me!

Rose Woehr Family Photo

"I was motivated to return to school and earn a degree because of the earning potential and employment opportunities." —Greg Machos

As the first person in my family to go to college, I wanted to be the next person to get a degree after my sister graduated college in 1994. I had graduated in the top ten (eighth) out of a class of 265 at my high school in 1988, and I owed it to myself to get four years worth of a college education culminating with a degree. Most importantly, the value of a four year college degree is critical when looking for employment, especially in these changing times with more global competition and easier ways to reach far off places in the world.

I was motivated to return to school and earn a degree because of the earning potential and employment opportunities. I found over time that the Associates Degree that I had earned before coming to UCC in the spring of 1994 was not enough. Another factor was pride. I was never the greatest athlete, or most talented musician, but I was always an outstanding student. As time passed, I grew more determined to get my degree in spite of whatever obstacles would get in my way.

I chose UCC because I wanted to commute, and not have to travel far to take classes while still being able to attend part-time. Most importantly though, no other college campus at Rutgers offers anything for part-time students.

After attending Drexel University as a full time student following my graduation from high school, I learned that it was too tough for my mother to put me through school with the limited income that she had. In addition, there were always problems dealing with the banks and the university in terms of making sure the financial aid was there so that I could just worry about my classes. I didn't want to deal with that kind of distraction, so I financed my education by working many different kinds of jobs, particularly with computers. After returning to UCC in the Fall of 2000, I eventually learned that the school managed to get funding for part-time scholarships, which I applied for starting in 2004, and got for the last three years of my education here.

Being a non-traditional student has both some advantages and drawbacks. One advantage is that I can study and work in the comforts of my home. However, a drawback is that I'm often unable to be in the loop with regards to some changes in university policy, or an issue surrounding a class I'm taking. It also hurt from a standpoint that I felt somewhat an outsider, and being older it was difficult to build a lot of relationships with much younger students . . .

Its been a rocky road with many ups and downs for myself. I thought the day would never come when I would get my degree. I've spent the better part (about 15 years) of the last 20 years going to school in some shape or form. The majority of those years were at UCC . . .

I am grateful for the support of my immediate family as well as several close friends. My mother, who barely graduated high school herself was always proud of me no matter what I did, and told me never to worry about failing something because she knew how hard I would try. At work, I also received encouragement for my assortment of co-workers compiled over the years as well as those I've met in various activities I've been involved with . . . [Because of my hard work, persistence, and the support of my family and friends], I finally graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science in the last commencement in May, 2007. I've also attained a minor in Meteorology as well as a certificate in Technical Writing from the Rutgers Writing Program.

Click here to meet some students from the Postbaccalaureate Prehealth Program.