by Sheri Fresonke Harper

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

I started my Master's degree at City University when I was in my thirties and found it quite difficult to hold down more than one class per quarter while working full time. Later I enrolled in certificate programs through the University of Washington. My school programs became an exciting adventure into learning new ideas and networking with people employed from all over the region. Most of the students in a night program are older so I felt more comfortable than when I attended a University for my Bachelors program at 23 and became everyone's favorite target for shopping for party supplies.

I quickly learned to buy the course materials and do the reading before class started to give myself extra time. Work hours required adjustment to let me travel to class and eat dinner, many times snatched at a drive through on the way to school. Weekends often were used to prepare team projects and papers. Yet, not every quarter went easily. Winter snow, accidents and family problems often caused me to miss class. Occasionally, I needed to miss classes due to work travel or vacations. My classmates often saved me by taking notes they shared with me so I could catch up. I often shared mine with them. We worked together.

When I selected City University over other technical colleges and universities in the area, a number of factors played into the decision. First, the application process consisted of my work management approving to pay for the study and little else. Other friends were delayed entry into their program of choice several times because of wait lists to get into evening programs and poor results on their tests. Second, the hours and location were convenient to my work location. Third, their library offered many of the resources needed to prepare papers. Fourth, when considering a program to get a teaching certificate, many of the traditional universities had a much more rigid criteria for entry, with much less help offered during internships.

When I chose certificate programs at the University of Washington extension it was because they were the only place that offered the type of education I desired. The commute sometimes made me late and parking fees could add up. But I learned skills that are invaluable.

Useful information came from my instructors and the members of my class. Often, their tales of getting hives, juggling families and dealing with gang problems, tales of mentorship and management at their companies help develop a sense of balance in my life. I found friends and lost them but I wouldn't ever replace the experience with any other.

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