Nontraditional? Not so much
By Mary Lu Yardley, ’90 MSA ’92
Executive director of alumni relations
Webster’s dictionary defines tradition as the handing down of customs, practices, doctrines, etc. Therefore, the “traditional” college students would most likely be fresh out of high school, continuing their education. That was my experience coming to CMU as a freshman from Alma High School. Then I decided to leave college after two years, and the next time I was a student was many years later. In the classroom on campus, sitting in the front row (where we nontraditionalists sit), I discovered that I wasn’t so uncommon.
In fact, being a nontraditional student has become quite common today. I am not saying it has become a custom, but I do believe it is a common practice and a model to our peers and children to complete our education.
One of my most rewarding experiences was completing my undergraduate degree. Not that taking classes was the highlight of my day, nor the studying, writing essays, taking tests, and all the other requirements. But each class completed gave me a sense of accomplishment. When I marched in the commencement ceremony, I looked around, and there were quite a few of us nontraditionalists. I was very proud of what I had achieved, as I was two years later when I completed my graduate degree.
When I meet alumni, I can truly relate to both the traditional and nontraditional experience. Yes, it was fun to be on campus, living in the dorms, belonging to a sorority, attending dances and football games, and I have great memories. And I also have the same kinds of memories as the students who took some time out and returned to college while working and raising a family.
I remember clearly that I was much more focused later in life than when I was a freshman – I guess that won’t surprise anyone. I studied, took exams, had weekend classes, participated in professional development, and made new friends. There seemed to be more quality and personal enrichment in the classroom.
Need a degree or an advanced degree for promotion, job security, or just a sense of accomplishment? I encourage any of you to take a class, enroll in a graduate program, or if you know someone who hasn’t completed a degree, encourage them to do so. Maybe you just want to take a class for the fun of it. Come to campus or choose from 18 Michigan off-campus locations and numerous sites in the U.S. I hope you enjoy stories in this issue, as they reflect on the accomplishments of continuing education.
Nontraditional students aren’t so nontraditional – there are just too many of us. •
