Product Description

“Some are single, some are married, some have kids, some do not, some are twenty-four, some are sixty-four…We are not straight out of high school living four more years of playfulness…some of us are in college to improve our future or the future of our children, many of us are changing an academic legacy by being the first in our families to graduate from college. Others are starting again after military service or making a new path out of a dead-end job or relationship…”

“…I was tired of having spaghetti every night…sick of living in a dump of an apartment. The thought of having children was out of the question. I couldn’t believe this was my life. An education was the only way to change that.”

“…Hearing those phrases “It’s a girl” and “You may now kiss the bride” made me think, “I am now a wife and a mother…never again a student”.”

“The desks sure hadn’t changed, but in the past 20 years, I sure had.”

Non-traditional students face challenges well beyond academia. In this anthology, adult learners share their personal journeys. Facing fears, overcoming obstacles, to graduation day, these stories will inspire anyone considering their own education endeavor.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #731436 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

About the Author
As a full-time admissions representative at a technical school, freelance writer Donna Talarico not only motivates people to begin their new careers, but was also inspired by her students to return to school herself. Meeting hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds has made Talarico realize the magnitude of struggles and rewards alike that non-traditional students must overcome to achieve success. In turn, she wanted to spread the message, inspiring others who may need that extra push! Talarico is currently a non-traditional student at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, after a five-year hiatus in the ‘real world’, finishing her Journalism/Public Relations degree. She resides in Luzerne, Pennsylvania with her cat Spectra.

---

Customer Reviews

Very insightful
I was reccomended this book my a friend. Since I am considering going back to school, I found it very helpful. The essays were all really great- all about different people who decided to go back to school. I am male, so it was nice to hear the stories of two men who went back for engineering degrees, which is similar to what I am going for. It was a nice change of pace to hear more than just the single moms- but that book had those too. Another neat story was about a girl who moved here from Poland and had to basically start over in regards to education.

The book was just really neat. The author's story was good too, and she even included a graduation speech that she gave to her students once, which was a ncie touch at the end of the book- a perfect ending- graduation! Hopefully one day I will. The book really helped me realize that I am not alone.

The book also has some resources for non-traditional students, which could have been longer because there are more out there. But it was a good idea. Also- she calls for essays for a second book, so maybe if I end up back in school, you'll be reading mine!!

I think I can? I know I can!
I took my time reading through each individual story in this anthology compiled by Donna. I, too, was a nontraditional mom taking courses one at a time to further my education. Each story is inspirational. When you set your mind to achieve, you can do anything. Three cheers to all non-tradional students everywhere! LeAnne Brogan

Refreshing Stories
As an adult student myself, I am glad I stumbled upon this book. The book is a collection of essays from people who decided to continue with their education. Misty Gersley tells the story of being a welfare mom who in the end got to slam the door in the face of public assitance, Pola Henderson tells the story of moving from Poland to Chicago and having to basically start from scratch, Robert Jacobs tell the story of getting five degrees while moving around in the military and overseas, Julia Ciliberti talks about leaving a well-paying administrative job to take one the more challenging field of engineering and many more! There stories were full of honesty and hope at the same time- and show that despite the downs, there are ups too when going back to school.

I really feel this book is a good asset to anyone who needs a little uplifing. Good job on Talarico's part who self-published the book herself through iUniverse- and also told her own story. There were also some resources at the end of the book and a call for submissions for another installment.