Nancy

Nancy Dillard I am a non traditional student, very non traditional, but it is never to late to finish college. I am having a great college experience at ASU. The classes are small to medium size. We are taught by full professors, not graduate assistants. My fellow students are of all ages, backgrounds and some even come from other countries. The campus is just the right size: Small enough to navigate, even for an older student and large enough to provide the services and classroom buildings needed.

I belong to PBL and ALERTS. I was inducted into OMICRON PSI in April 2007. Getting involved in extra activities enhances my college experience. ASU has provided me with the tools I need to successfully navigate my degree. I started out in Learning Support Math with the lowest remedial math offered and as a result was able to pass College Algebra with an A. My English 1102 professor worked with me as much as I needed outside of class, to help me polish up my writing skills which were rusty. I have nothing but praise for the learning environment at ASU. I have felt nurtured.

Even the notorious Humanities classes were a rewarding challenge. I did feel as if a t-shirt should be awarded upon completion? Saying “I survived Humanities at ASU!” I would bet most non traditional students are not even aware that the Georgia Hope Scholarship may be available for them. I was surprised to learn that I qualified and used it for 7 semesters of tuition. What a great benefit!

As a non traditional student, I hesitated to apply for a merit scholarship through the Hull College of Business this past Spring but nothing ventured, nothing gained.I was awarded the ABWA scholarship for non traditional business students which will cover my books each semester. What a great relief and benefit. I bet most non traditional students do not know that in the State of Georgia, seniors can attend any public university for free at age 62 or older on a space available basis! Some of the brightest and best students in my classes have been students attending under this program.

ASU is a treasure in the CSRA waiting to be discovered and explored by non traditional students in a 50 mile radius.Non traditional students, having been out of the classroom for years, sometimes decades, may hesitate to go back. Lack the self confidence that they can do it. ASU is the right size and right environment for them.

I graduated from HS in 1970 and acquired bit and pieces of college totaling 21 semester hours. What you want to do right out of HS may be very different from what you want to study now. Hence alot of one’s prior college credits may not be used towards one’s new college degree goal. However some may apply.

My three children are grown and raised and out of college. I decided it was Mom’s turn now. My children, husband and friends are very supportive of my returning to school. I started back in the Summer of 2005 and have not regretted it. Fall of 2007 finishes up my 8th semester in a row. 8 down and 4 to go.I am majoring in Accounting and Finance and hope to finish my minor in philosophy. I need two more philosophy classes. My projected graduation date is May of 2009.

Every time a new semester starts, I feel as if I am feasting at a huge banquest of knowledge. I love going to school.