Adults who return to college often report that they appreciate the experience of learning more than they would have when they were younger. Matthew and Lucy Friend, a married couple who returned to school after leaving to start a family, told the UCA Echo that they now have an awareness of the value of higher education that they did not have previously. "I did start college after high school, but I didn't take it seriously," said Mr Friend, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in secondary education. According to the US Department of Education, the number of adult students is growing faster than any other educational demographic. Nontraditional students have a variety of reasons for going back into education. Some may have been prevented from going to college the first time around, others may have been a victim of downsizing at their previous job, while still others may simply want a change of career. An improved quality of life is a common reason for going back to school. Lesley Allen, who has been taking classes alongside working 40 hours per week, said that she and her husband realized that "without an education we would never have the successful life we wanted together". She added that it is important to have a good support network if attempting to balance life, work and school commitments.  |