Never too Late to Learn
Try to imagine enrolling in College Courses with no tuition, no attendance taken, no exams, books on line, and a free parking pass. Sitting in a class with students that are younger than your own children that are probably thinking, “We just left our parents. How’d they get in here?”
This adventure all started when I was helping a retired client make several moves…family home, to condominium, to senior housing in downtown Columbus. During the first move, he shared he couldn’t miss his classes at Otterbein University in Westerville. He asked me my age and then went on to explain all the free classes I could take after 60 years of age. He explained that he always likes the challenge of taking all exams but his wife skips class days when testing. They both love being on campus and learning more about and from the younger generations. Just to keep you updated, he since has shared that they love living downtown Columbus, as he can catch the CBUS for free and go to any restaurant, museum, concert, etc. and not even have to call an Uber.
Back to free education after 60…my husband and I decided to enroll in a class close by at Otterbein University. We originally thought we would sign up for a foreign language which could be useful as we enjoy traveling. We immediately found out classes that require a lab are not free. Knowing the enrollment time was coming to a close, I asked an Otterbein Grad that works in our REMAX office for a recommendation. Immediately he urged me to sign up for a class called “Gender Communication” if the class was not closed. I checked with the enrollment office and there were just two spots left. I later shared that we got in probably to help confirm historical facts. We were of the assumption that this was the standard male-female dichotomy but the emphasis was on all other genders. It was a learning experience to observe the number of students participating in other lifestyles. After the exposure to the diverse group, we developed an awareness of the number of gender issues on the news, through advertising, and cultures.
After class, we usually went out to lunch and our discussions were centered around the class. Interesting enough the classroom was somewhat the same as we remember in the 70’s. The teacher stayed in the front behind a podium, student desks were in rows, students were not assigned seats but everyone seemed to return to the same seat each class. As George commented, the seats were the same size, but we were not. Being an Ohio State University Grad, I remember large lecture halls with TVs mounted on the walls where we watched lectures and then met with a teaching assistant in a smaller group the next day. George was more use to a smaller class size class from undergrad days at Case Western Reserve. Other time changes…film strips, super-eight movies, videos, TED Talks, Live TV and the list could go on.
We enjoyed participating in class discussions and small groups. We were somewhat more reserved until students began to ask us questions. They were interested in learning from our past experiences as students, parents, and professionals. We actually got applause when they learned we had been married to only each other for 44 years. Listening to and participating with these young students really helps support a positive attitude toward our youth.
We are at the stage now where we are looking at course selections offered this term. We are so fortunate to have so many colleges and universities close by. So far, it looks like Art History may be the leading choice right now. In the past, we quickly memorized for tests and really didn’t have a need to learn more about the piece of art. Now with more frequent travel, we are curious to learn more as we have more opportunities to see the art in original settings.
We enjoy sharing some of our new college stories with others. Some friends ask why would you want to go back to school? I feel continuing to learn helps to acquire new skills and process new knowledge. Our experiences gave us more opportunities to explore new ideas and actually enhanced our understanding of ideas we read and hear in the news.
All state colleges and universities offer over 60 learners the opportunity to attend classes.
Lifelong Learning | Ohio Higher Ed