Bethel Focus                                                                                      A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of Bethel University

Parents who follow their kids to Bethel

by Elaine Evan '60

How would you act if you spotted your own child walking down the hall at your college? How would your child respond if she or he saw you in the next booth at the college deli? Parents and their children who attend the same college simultaneously may be rare, but parents who lug loaded backpacks and rush into class at the last minute are statistically commonplace. "Nationally, the majority of college students are age 23 and above," said Carl Polding, dean of the Center for Graduate and Continuing Studies. He noted that higher education for adult learners is more accessible and affordable than ever and that a college education continues to be a good investment in terms of job security and realizing personal and financial goals.

Julie Springer, Judy Rotach, and Sean Warren are all enrolled in evening classes through Bethel's Program in Adult College Education. All three also have a child who is a traditional student on campus. In the following interview, the parents and their children, juniors Eric Springer and Anthony Warren and freshman Carise Rotach, reflect on shrunken grocery bills during the school year, one mom's crying binge during the first month her first-born was at college, and how Bethel equips students of any age for effective, godly living.

How do you feel about attending the same college as your parent or child?

Judy: I tried not to, feeling that Carise needed her space. I was accepted to other programs, but none seemed right. Finally, I asked, "Would you mind if I went to Bethel, too?"

Carise: It's not that we sit in the library and do homework together. In fact, I was shocked to see her in Market Square one day with her study group. I thought, "Mom! What are you doing here?"

Anthony: My dad and I have bumped into each other once. Luckily, I was studying! As business majors, we have a lot in common, like marketing and statistics courses. My dad had been enrolled in another program, but when he saw how Focus Spring 2003 fulfilled I was at Bethel, he made the switch.

Eric: I kind of like that my mom is at Bethel. I don't go home often, so every other week we eat dinner together. After three years of having my space, I'm ready to keep tabs on the family again.

Who studies harder? Anthony: My dad. He's really diligent and does very well. The difference is that he's here to go to school and get on with life. I'm here to learn and have a good time, like playing basketball at three in the morning.

Sean: Even if I wanted to, I couldn't play basketball at three in the morning! I've also had 20 years of experience in business and know a lot that Anthony doesn't. I can readily apply that learning in my classes.

Julie: I think Eric is studying harder and his workload is greater. I invest a full 20 hours a week, but there are times when he puts in more. As a working adult, I have an immediate place to hang my learning (my workplace) which provides instant motivation.

Who has made the biggest adjustment to college? Carise: Being a freshman is a huge adjustment. I'm ripped from my old life and thrown into a place where everything's new.

Judy: For me, it was really scary to go back. I'm in the work world, but returning to school and writing papers requires great confidence. Fortunately, my cohort members feel the same and we support each other through the adjustment.

Julie: Eric has made the bigger adjustment. I haven't changed my community or style of living like he has. Maybe returning to college has been less traumatic because I've always been a studious, energetic person who easily makes room for one more thing.

How have things changed for you since you started Bethel? Carise: What hasn't changed? Rather than thinking about what I'm doing from day to day, I'm thinking about my future. Bethel is awesome at preparing students to grow spiritually. Already, I feel more mature.

Eric: I echo Carise. Everything changes, especially your worldview. When I go back home and hang out with my younger siblings, I realize, wow, I used to be right there!

Anthony: I see remnants of the same individual, but in the last three years I've changed so much. My mom says it best: "You're growing up!"

Judy: Adults change too. In the short time I've been here, I have become more aware of leadership styles. At my workplace, I watch to see what works and what doesn't and I appreciate good leadership.

Julie: I enjoy reading and studying. Right now I don't have options about what to read, but the faculty have made good choices for me that cause me to think deeply.

Did you always plan to go to college? Anthony: I`ve always been college bound.

Carise: It was ingrained in me.

Judy: I got a two-year degree and married. When my husband was in seminary, it was financially impossible to continue. Seven years ago I tried to go back, but the timing wasn't right. Now, it is.

Sean: College wasn't discussed in my family. Three years after high school graduation, I went for a time. And then, after a 23-year hiatus, I'm back with a vengeance!