It’s Never Too Late to Learn
By: Tracey Payne

Jean Galloway is not wasting any time. She realizes the best time to plant her “education” tree would have been years ago, but the next best time is now. For a variety of reasons and like many other women, Galloway had to postpone her goal of getting a college degree. Driven by the desire to make herself more marketable in today’s changing business environment, she made a commitment to her future and returned to college. At the same time that she is building a successful career in the instructional and performance technologies field, she is taking online and evening classes. Since returning to school in 1999 Galloway has earned her undergraduate degree in management, a master’s degree in human resources and is currently pursuing an MBA.

According to the National Center of Education, by 2013, the number of women attending college is projected to increase by 21 percent. In fact, the adult learner is making such an impact on the educational system that they have acquired a new designation. The formerly “non-traditional” students are more respectably setting a trend now as the “new-traditional” students.

Women are realizing there is a direct relationship between education and increased earning potential. However, for many women it is not just a matter of money. They are completing their education for the personal gratification as well. Similar to Galloway, many will choose to attend programs that cater to the needs of working adults. These types of programs provide an educational option for those who would not otherwise be able to make it work in a traditional setting.

Dr. Carol Adams, assistant professor at Ottawa University Ð Kansas City recommends new students be prepared for the time commitment and realize furthering their education will have an impact on their lifestyle. It will take a few class sessions to get back into the habit of studying, but their educational goals are achievable. “We try to accommodate the various learning styles of adults and understand the need for our students to be self-directed, yet still guided. In the end, it is worth the effort,” says Adams.

For many women, the most difficult hurdle is not knowing where to begin. Linda Wyatt, Career Services Director at Kansas City Kansas Community College is charged with helping adults find their passion and develop a career based on it. Wyatt says going back to school deserves serious consideration. “The key is finding a career you like, to have fun and get paid to do it.”

Wyatt works one-on-one with students to interpret results of an interest inventory test she has them take. “Taking this test helps people narrow down career choices suited to their specific interests. I then encourage students to take a beginning level class to experience a subject and see if it is truly a good match.” Wyatt encourages students to discover a career they can be successful in and that is conducive to their lifestyle and strengths. “Doing all of this is not a waste of time, rather it is an investment.”

Those interested in jump starting their college education should visit a career center or ask their employer to sponsor an education fair where college representatives will bring program options to the workplace in a lunch and learn session format. The Greater Kansas City Collegiate Consortium, (www.kc-undergrad.com), a local organization of college representatives, offers these programs free of charge. Further, talking to someone who returned to college provides insight into their experiences and advice about what to expect. Prospective students are also highly encouraged to visit colleges, speak with advisors who can answer questions and help students get started.