Earn a degree, pursue personal enrichment or other short-term goals with Wesleyan’s Adult Studies Program. Open House Program at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.
By Katie Morris '09
It's easy to come back to school as an adult.
If you're an adult (age 23 or older) and would like to continue your college education or simply take a course or two for your personal enrichment, Virginia Wesleyan College's Adult Studies Program is able to meet your needs. Classes usually meet one night a week and on alternate weekends. They are typically small with fewer than 15 students, fostering a close relationship with professors.
Don't miss our Open House Program, an informational session specifically for adults, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 in the Adult Studies Lounge, Clarke Hall. >>Directions to Virginia Wesleyan College
Below are four adult students who all have families and juggle full-time jobs. Each student has found success at Virginia Wesleyan and are on the path of achieving their goal of a college degree.
KATHY FINHOLM
Hometown: Norfolk, Va.
Major: Business Management
Employment: Accounting Technician, City of Norfolk
Background: Accounting and Business Owner
Career Goals: To advance in her job with the City of Norfolk
Why a degree will help her: "By getting a degree and advancing, I feel I will be valued more [as an employee] and will be able to earn more money."
How has the Adult Studies Program helped you? "The program makes it very easy for adults. They work with my schedule, meet after hours and have accommodated my needs as a working adult."
Best advice for adults thinking about going back to school: "I work the midnight shift, have a baby and I am lucky to get five hours of sleep a night. I'm on a mission and you can make anything work if you try."
TERRI HARRINGTON
Hometown: Chesapeake, Va.
Major: Business Management
Employment: Realtor, William E. Wood and Associates
Background: Real Estate and Accounting
Career Goals: Interested in many different fields, including international work. Considering the NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)
Why she is considering these fields: "I've always been interested in travel, international issues and the distribution of humanitarian aid."
How has the Adult Studies Program helped you? "I have received a lot of individual attention from my counselor, which is especially helpful when enrolling for classes. The environment is very welcoming and helpful."
Best thing about Virginia Wesleyan: "I love all of my professors. They are all very helpful. All the people here are absolutely fabulous and I love the campus."
ALICE HUTTON
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Major: Business Management
Employment: Accounting Technician, City of Norfolk
Background: Accounting
Career Goals: To advance in her job with the City of Norfolk
Why a degree will help her: "By moving up in my job, I can more than double my salary. With a degree, I feel that I'll be treated with more respect and value."
How has the Adult Studies Program helped you? "The program has allowed me to accomplish of all my career and personal goals. Virginia Wesleyan makes it easy for adult students. They help you out a lot with the paper work and everything you need to do. It's a great program."
Best advice for adults thinking about going back to school: "You owe it to yourself to earn a degree. It's never too late. It's a positive thing that you're going to be doing for yourself."
CHARLES SWIFT
Hometown: Branford, Conn.
Major: Social Studies
Employment: Security, Virginia Wesleyan College
Background: Working with at-risk, autistic and mentally handicapped kids.
Career Goals: To be a 7th grade social studies teacher
Why he wants to be a 7th grade teacher: "Students in the 7th grade are asking questions about who they are. I have the chance to help them understand how the world got to be the way it is and how they fit in it."
How has the Adult Studies Program helped you? "The Adult Studies Program is very accommodating for people who are working and trying to go to school to further their education and achieve their personal goals in life. They care about you as a student and treat students as individuals."
Best advice for adults thinking about going back to school: "Go talk to Virginia Wesleyan's counselors and see what they can do for you. The learning cycle never ends. You can start a goal and believe in a goal later on in life and achieve that goal, maybe even reaching higher."
For more information on Virginia Wesleyan's Adult Studies Program, or to set up an appointment with a counselor, contact 757.455.3263 or asp@vwc.edu.
11.21.08