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It’s never too late to go back to school

My academic adviser helped me stay on track to graduate

By Lena Wilkins, 8/17/09

I made a decision when I graduated from high school 20 years ago not to go on to college. I had planned on attending—had even been accepted—but upon graduation, I changed my mind. I graduated from high school in June of 1984 and by August had found a job at a local bank as a teller.

Through the years, I took a course here and there through the American Institute of Banking. Many of these classes were accredited classes with transferable credits.

In 1997, I had a life-changing event occur that made me re-evaluate what was important to me. I made the decision at that time to go back to school. I had no idea where to begin.

I went to an appointment and ended up leaving with a degree program in hand. I had also registered for my first class, English 101. I took the classes on a weeknight at a local high school and ended up graduating from the management diploma program at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I was one step closer to my degree.

Working full time in a professional managerial position, single parenting and going to school have been a challenge. However, I can say that I have been successful with the help and dedication of the staff. My academic adviser has done a great job letting me know where I stand and automatically registering me for my classes. This has kept me on the right track.

I am proud to say that I am close to completing my dream of obtaining my undergraduate degree. I will continue on for a graduate degree, too!

It hasn’t been easy, but hard work never is. What I have gained from my studies at RIT has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth. My advice to adult learners is to meet with an academic adviser to develop your strategy and plan for what you are looking to accomplish.

With that plan, hard work and dedication to achieving your goals, going back to school can be one of the most satisfying experiences of your adult life.

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