When I decided to go back to school and finish my undergraduate degree, I was apprehensive. Being in my thirties and having already been in corporate America, I wondered how I would transition myself into a radically different environment. The academics were not the most alarming aspect of college.
I wondered how I could find anything to relate to with a group of young people who have never experienced life outside of a classroom. After all I did have a successful career for nearly a decade.
Thinking back to just last year, I was appalled at my ignorance. I have learned so much from other students’ life experiences. One of the most important lessons is you’re never too old to change your views.
I became intimidated by the strong views held by so many young men and women. It was amazing to see that these students have traveled and volunteered, thereby gaining a wealth of knowledge. My opinions started to change. I felt dated and redundant in my views and opinions, until a young student said to me that she was so glad to have me in class. When I heard that I was surprised. I immediately asked her why, and she told me that I bring life experience to class.
For me, college was about learning more about English as a career. I wanted to expand my knowledge base so that I could become a better writer. I never dreamed that college would make me a better person, a better listener and more importantly, a better parent.
I have always kept an open dialogue with my children. Now I also stress that I am not always right in the ways I view the world. Any issues or views that differ from mine are not automatically wrong, and I encourage my children to challenge me with thought provoking issues.
I came back to school to be a better writer. I thought school would make me a better person, but I never thought that it would also make me a better parent.
Tonya Peterson, Opinions Editor
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