At 19 years old, Lacey Haggan, a transfer student at Utah State University, found out she was pregnant. Now, at 22, she's a single mom that has raised her son on her own and made the choice to continue her education. Haggan is only one of many students at USU considered a “non-traditional student.”
A non-traditional student is anyone that considers themself to not fit the typical “18-22 year old student profile,” according to the Non-Traditional Student Center at USU. This list also includes those that are married, part or full time workers, return students, parents, or anyone older than 22.
The Non-Traditional Student Center at USU is available to students that feel they fit any of the above requirements and are seeking help obtaining or furthering their education.
"I was afraid to go back to school, I didn't know how I was going to do it, I just knew I needed to get my education,” Haggan said.
The center provides multiple resources for those wanting to return to school or go to college for the first time. It is the center's duty and obligation to provide multiple resources for future students to help them know that getting an education is not only possible but also probable.
“Advisors help a student select, plan and complete his/her academic goals without unnecessary delays and expense,” according to the NTSC’s website.
According to Jael Thompson, a program coordinator with the Department of Access and Diversity, advisors are available for non-traditional students to help guide them through the process of continuing their education. They will help the student explore their financial options. And between pell grants, student loans and scholarship programs, college is more realistic for potential non-traditional Aggies.
According to a Thompson a returning adult orientation is also available through the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration program in June, for those students that have had a minimum of a five-year gap in their education.
The NTSC also offers a handbook to get students through the process and understand that although returning or finishing school is a challenge, it will benefit one's life in the end.
“I felt that it was in my son's best interest to provide for my family. Rather than a choice to go to school it was a need,” Haggan said.
For those that have previously been to school and are returning new challenges are presented.
Deidra Quire is a 30-year-old student at USU who attended school when she was 18 but never graduated with a degree. Due to the economy she lost her job two years ago and decided to return to Utah State to get an education that would help her family.
“I'm a mom, I work and I'm taking four classes. It's hard but I know I'm setting a good example for my kids, and I'm better prepared now then I was straight out of high school,” Quire said.
The NTSC will help with these challenges. Childcare is also available for those seeking daycare for their students during school and finals.
“I want to be able to get a job and do something I like. That's why I went back to school,” Quire said.
(K. Blesch)
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