As a non-traditional student, so we're called, it's especially difficult to balance and make things work in our favor, the responsibilities are far greater than those students who live on campus and have parents footing the bill. Please don't misunderstand, hats off to those students who have scholarships and have parents who afford them an education, but so many don't have that luxury and still want their children to come out on top. So the pressure of finance rears its ugly head. In William Zinsser's essay he talks about the pressures from peers, parents and society and all three weigh equally on students. I was a victim of this when I started college 20 years ago, however my parents didn't exactly tell me what to study, I think all they wanted was for me to go and finish. I paid my own tuition and living expenses. I realize 20 years ago was much different than it is now, but the expense is just as great when you only make $4.20 an hour. He also talks about how college students struggle with grades and making sure they stay out in front, I also feel that pressure to do exceptionally well, not just average. But isn't average okay? I always shoot for perfection but usually come up just a bit short. The plus for returning to school after this many years, is, it's for me, on my terms and on my time. So hang in there everybody and put your books down once in awhile to enjoy your time. There is plenty of time for responsibility. You have the rest of your life, trust me.
Bobbi Irwin
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