I Went Back Stories
Jack Kline Went Back
When Jack Kline reached his 50s, a seed began to germinate inside him … He wanted to become a writer. One thing stopped Jack from getting there—an education.
“I began to write, and was told by published authors I had talent but lacked training,” Jack said.
Jack was determined to turn his dream into a reality and found KU Edwards Campus to be the answer to his needs, not only to obtain the education he needed, but also to finally abandon his life-long regret of never finishing school.
"A representative from the campus visited my place of employment about four years before I went back to school,” he said. “The presentation stuck somewhere in the folds of my brain, waiting for me to act.”
After completing prerequisite courses years ago at KU, Jack learned the Edwards Campus offered literature, language and writing, the program he needed in order to take that first step toward reaching his dream.
Jack was also drawn to the campus’ class schedules, proximity to his job and three highways which take him anywhere in the metro, including back to his home in Louisburg, Kan.
“KU Edwards’ class schedules allow me to keep my life and attend school at the same time,” he said. “There is no way I could be doing all this without Edwards’ flexibility and commitment to people like me.”
Jack’s classes contain students of all ages and he has developed friendships with students young enough to be his children. He also found the diversity of Edwards Campus students to be a definite advantage and enrichment to his educational experience.
“I think my younger classmates would agree the advantages are significant. The wide age range ramps up the learning process for us all.”
Since Jack began taking classes at the Edwards Campus, he has experienced much success, winning several writing awards including the Goldie L. Case Creative Writing Award and the Ozark Creative Writers Showcase Award. He is also the recipient of the Peedee Brown Non-Traditional Student Scholarship and has already published two stories. One of Jack’s biggest accomplishments is Blowing Carbon, a book published in December 2009.
“Don’t let your personal inertia hold you back,” he advises. “Many or all of your reasons for not going back may be excuses in disguise. Don’t wait until you are old and looking back with regret, as I did.”
Sabrina Darley Went Back
A personal experience sparks new career path.
As a non-degreed professional, Sabrina Darley felt lucky to be comfortable with her job in marketing and publishing. She experienced many opportunities to advance and was able to increase her income threefold in less than ten years. Though she was successful, she still regretted never getting a degree.
“I attended both a community college and a four-year school as a young woman and got most of my general education credits done, but I just didn’t really know what I wanted to do! After I started working I didn’t think I really needed to finish.”
It wasn’t until Sabrina married, had six children and reached her 40s when she found her calling unexpectedly after experiencing a life changing event. Sabrina’s eldest son developed a severe mental illness.
“I knew from helping my son I not only needed to go back to school, but I wanted a whole different career path. I found the courage and started to research how to best break into the field of service to the mentally-ill population,” she said.
Sabrina’s research indicated the medical path would take too much time. A career in social services, on the other hand, would ultimately provide her with the fastest track to direct service.
Sabrina began courses at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) to complete general education requirements and to acclimate herself with going back to school - this time as an adult learner.
“I heard about the KU/KCKCC 2+2 program in social work. It was a match made in heaven! I could finish my bachelor’s and complete my master’s all in Kansas City.”
Sabrina found the Edwards Campus to be a great fit. Her scheduling options were flexible, she was able to apply her newly-discovered personal strengths, and there was no commute which meant she had more time to spend with her family.
“If you are thinking about continuing your education or starting fresh at any point in life, don’t put it off. Not completing my degree was one of my greatest regrets. It’s never too late to learn — start thinking ahead now and just do it!”
Sabrina is working hard to make an immediate shift into KU Edwards’ advance standing master’s program to earn her master’s degree in social work. She has also broadened her education by serving as the junior representative to the Dean’s Council for the School of Social Welfare and is secretary for the Edwards Campus Student Advisory Board.
I Went Back: Ken's Story
At age 41, Ken Trompeter found his successful career at a standstill. After 15 years of manufacturing management experience, Ken wanted to advance his career and felt the urge to improve his value to his company.
"I felt I reached the pinnacle of my career a little early," said Ken. "My wife asked me a simple question: ‘Would you be satisfied doing what you are doing now for the rest of your career?' I wanted more and I decided to take action."
Ken realized he needed to go back to school to get his MBA to improve his personal, educational and professional qualifications. He knew the KU Edwards Campus was the best place to go with its flexible class times, diverse course options and approachable professors.
Ken had many closer choices of schools – his 60 mile drive, one-way, takes precious time away from his family – but he feels his drive to class is worth the time and distance.
"The Edwards Campus meets my needs and my degree will carry the prestige and reputation of the University of Kansas."
Ken attended KU from 1986 to 1988 and received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from UMKC in 1990. He is proud to claim he was a KU student during both of the last two men's basketball national championships!
When asked to share his advice with current prospective students, Ken said he strongly believes the recent economic state should be a great eye-opener for many working people. "Whether your intention is to gain security in your current position or create personal marketability, the KU Edwards Campus provides one of the most convenient and effective options."
"My hope, through all my efforts to go back to school, is that my six-year-old daughter learns the value of education, understands that it's never too late to do something you're passionate about and that you're never too old to continue learning." Ken plans to graduate in spring 2010. He is looking forward to gaining back the time with his family and to enhance his value at his career.
Peggy Hendershot Went Back
After raising three children and fruitlessly attempting to earn a degree, Peggy Hendershot finally found a university that was the perfect fit … the KU Edwards Campus practically is in her own backyard.
"I live just down the street from the campus and have watched it grow over the years," Peggy said. "One day I saw a flyer about Edwards Campus and noticed it was expanding into undergraduate programs; I finally decided the time had come to finish."
Peggy moved repeatedly over the years, interrupting her studies and leaving little time for her to fully pursue her dreams. She tried to earn an undergraduate degree from six different schools, including one she attended twice – 17 years and four moves between – but she never seemed to find the right time to finish.
With her passion for working with children, Peggy has found the developmental psychology undergraduate program and the schedule of courses at KU Edwards to be ideal for her.
"I actually prefer going to class as opposed to studying online because I like the face-to-face interaction and discussion that occurs," Peggy said, "but I also like only attending each class once a week so I have more evening time at home with my family."
Peggy's long, arduous journey to earn her degree will culminate with her graduation in May 2009, and she is glad to have finally found the perfect environment to fulfill her educational aspirations.
"I was very pleased to find even though KU is a large school, the atmosphere at Edwards was that of a smaller one," Peggy said. "I have never felt like a number here or been reluctant to ask for help. The receptionists, advisors and instructors have always been very kind and helpful, and my questions have always been taken seriously and answered quickly and politely. The Edwards Campus has truly helped me achieve my personal goal of completing an undergraduate degree."