I am enrolled in the Liberal Studies B.A. program and, as such, have access to a wide range of classes. I have been taking Philosophy and Psychology since I enrolled and have really enjoyed both the coursework and the professors who teach it. Their firsthand experience with the subject matter brings a different dimension to class; they are teaching their passion from the practical standpoint of experience. I especially love the Saturday classes, not just due to the convenient scheduling but for their content as well. One professor works with children during the week, so he’s out there doing it and coming here to teach. He’s a true psychologist and I get to learn from him.

NEW IDENTITY
The Psychology courses have held more than a passing interest for me. Combined with the journey to healing I have taken since my husband died, I found myself pursuing something that would lead me into grief counseling. I feel that I could help others understand bereavement since my husband passed away five years ago.
In my Psychology class last semester with Dr. Mann, I mentioned one day that I was a widow and explained how it was a very big part of who I am. After the class, the professor replied in passing, “It will be interesting to see how long you describe yourself that way.” Talk about thinking! That class proved to be so much more than learning about “Social Psychology Concepts Applied through Film.” It was almost like therapy to me. And it made me realize that I really don’t use the term “widow” to describe myself anymore. But it is important because I am who I am, in large part, because of that.
Who am I now? Hard to tell if I am just one thing anymore. But I feel myself changing, evolving, in a good way.

JUGGLING LIFE AND WORK
I was very nervous about coming here because I’m older. It was difficult when I started and it’s still not easy because I have a lot of balls in the air with work and school. I work from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM in New Jersey then have to drive to campus. And after work, I try to do my class assignments. My mother, who is in her eighties, will even call and say, “Did you do your homework?”
So my experience is a little different from the majority of people here simply because I am what is considered a non-traditional student. I come to school on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. This summer, I will be taking a condensed Spanish course that will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays for seven weeks. I am excited about the fact that I am able to do this without too much disruption in my business life. They make it easy for me.

NEVER TOO OLD
Even at my age, I am still not sure what I want to be when I grow up! I am excited about the range of courses because I am confident that I will be able to utilize everything I learn in some way once I finish.
I remember coming here for the Transfer Workshop and meeting my advisor, Rebecca Roberts. And all the kids were 18 to 20 years old. I think that I was definitely the oldest. As I listened to the presentations, I thought how wonderful it must be to come here as a younger student.
Now I am here! It has been a long road for me and I am so excited to think that with the help and support of everyone at Purchase, I am earning my degree. From the first time on the campus, I was taken by the slogan “Think Wide Open.” Everyone encourages me to do just that and I am loving it! It’s never too late and you’re never too old.