Impact Excerpt
Elizabeth Gorsline - Alumni
B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies (2009)
I have a confession. I am a 45-year-old college student. It started innocently enough. I was experiencing a so-called midlife crisis when, at age 38, I decided to get a bachelor’s degree. The reason is complicated and ordinary. I had taken a crooked education path in my twenties. During the age most college students get their education, I was too involved in my social life and living in the moment to have a future plan. I did not have any idea of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and I could not cope with the strict cookie-cutter curriculums that most traditional colleges offered.
As much as I liked my job and was proud of my accomplishments, I always had a longing for a “real” college degree. I hoped to someday teach the field I was working in, medical transcription, and knew it would be necessary to further my education.
In my search for a college where I could get a bachelor’s degree, I discovered the School of Interdisciplinary Learning at Governors State University. This unique program let you tailor your curriculum to study the classes you need to further your career advancement. GSU would also give credits for life experience. Because I lived 60 miles from the campus, the option to take on-line classes was very convenient. The first time I visited the GSU campus to attend my orientation, my emotions bubbled over as I passed the huge Governors State University sign at the entrance driveway. I was finally going to attend a real university.
I felt right at home in the relaxed atmosphere of GSU. There were such a variety of students – all ages and cultural backgrounds. I loved the fact that there were adult college students! They were like me, going back to school because of whatever life reasons: children, military service, and career changes. The professors were wonderful; they really cared if the students succeeded.
...Read the entire story when you purchase a copy of Impact.
