Back to School Web Journal Archives

The following entries are based on interviews between Sarah Bryce, Assistant Registrar for the Evening Degree Program and two EDP students at different stages in their academic journey.  One students is beginning their journey with the EDP and one student is getting ready to complete their degree.  Throughout the year we will post new entries documenting their experiences as non-traditional students at High Point University.

Back to School:  A Journey Continued
Tommie Cossey - Class of 2012
Major: Elementary Education
Entry Date: September 25, 2009

What made you return to school, and what made you choose High Point University? 

As a father of four, I wanted to be at home at night with my children and be home with them during their time off. In my present career that was not an option.  Becoming a teacher allows me to have the opportunity to spend the time with them as well as be a positive influence on children in the classroom.  I am attending High Point because my wife graduated from HPU in May and we were both blown away with the school as well as the staff that will do anything to help you.  HPU will be a part of our lives long after I graduate.

What were your fears about starting school – have you been surprised by the outcomes so far?

I am not the most organized person! My biggest fear was going back to school and not knowing what to take and when to sign up.  Sarah Bryce and the rest of the EDP staff made this so easy. Sarah helped me map out my class schedule.  The staff sends reminders every week to help me stay on top of deadlines.

What kind of changes have you had to make at home – changes in childcare, household chores, things of that nature?

Being a part of the EDP has made the changes minimal.  EDP is scheduled so that I can get the kids stuff done and then leave when my wife gets home from work.  For parents with a full schedule EDP is the way to go. 

What originally inspired you to return to school? 

I had elevated to the highest position I could under my current organizational structure, with the level of education I had. My current position was a 10 hour a day job and very stressful; it took away my ability to even take classes at night. So I actually resigned my position and cut my hours back to part time in order to return to school full time. 

How does it feel to be starting the first session of your final year?

 Incredible! I have been working toward this for 10 years and I am humbled to be here. I didn’t find HPU until my junior year, which would have cut those years in half. But, I am excited to be graduating from a University I believe in and am proud of. 

What has been the hardest school related obstacle you have had to overcome? 

Probably the 2 biggest obstacles for me when adjusting to going back to school was, 1. Adjusting to my nights and weekends being filled and 2. Studying and completing homework. But looking back, it’s all worth it!  

Back to School:  A Journey Continued
Shanna Johnson - Class of 2012
Major: Business Administration
Entry Date: May 18, 2009

Do you feel like the sessions have gone by quickly?   

The sessions have passed really quickly. That's one thing that has kept me going! That's what I love about HPU!! 
 
 What is one piece of advice you would give a student starting in August?  

It's not as bad as it may seem. Although it does require work on your part, the instructors are more than willing to help you achieve your goals. Work hard and ask for help if needed!
 
Will you be attending during the summer sessions?  If yes, do you feel like it is important to keep your momentum going by not skipping any sessions?   

I'm not attending the summer. Although I want to complete my degree, I feel I need the break and I would like to spend the summer with my kids. They are only young once and will be out of the house before I know it!  I think by skipping the summer, I'll be refreshed in the Fall and READY to return to school.

Back to School: A Journey Nearing Completion
LeMona Bass - Class of 2009
Major:  Human Relations
Entry Date: May 18, 2009

Has the program been flexible for you?  If you needed to change courses or your schedule mid-stream – has it worked out?

The program is “adult- life friendly” and I’ve been fortunate that the one time I needed the adjustment, EDP worked things out for me.

What do you look forward to the most when you are done with classes?

I enjoy the simple things!  The victory of completion is what I look forward to the most!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a student starting in August?

I would advise all incoming freshmen to enter the “gates of HPU” with an unbolted and intrepid mind.  In my experience these are the primary hindrances to being the best student we all desire to be. 

 

Back to School: A Journey Nearing Completion
LeMona Bass - Class of 2009
Major:  Human Relations
Entry Date: January 27, 2009

Do you feel like the long Holiday break helps you re-group for the next semester? 

The holiday break for me was a time to exhale and reflect on how far I’ve come and to realize the proverbial boot straps have to be tied again for a race that is yet incomplete!

As you get closer to completing your degree do you see the ways in which you’ll benefit from your degree?   

HPU has taught me to appreciate ALL of the processes; so I have benefited throughout my educational journey.  In addition, the enhancement of my professional options and the personal satisfaction of submitting to and seeing through a long-term goal.

Any new goals for the spring? 

In my experience as an adult student, it’s not always about new goals, it is about  staying focused on “staying focused” and pulling the reins back in as-needed.  I am in the “final frontier” of my degree, so staying focused and managing the excitement of completion are the “goals” henceforth.