Life changes bring students to college later than usual
by Violeta Rocha
reporter

   After raising a family and overseeing the education of her three sons, Beverly Hutcherson did not want to be the only member of her family without a degree.
   Hutcherson started that degree by taking classes on NE Campus.
   “ With three kids to take care of, it would have been impossible for me to finish school at that time,” she said.
   Hutcherson has a full-time job and currently is taking six credit hours. She plans to finish her two-year degree next year and wants to go to TCU to pursue her bachelor’s degree.
   “ I have enjoyed TCC, especially NE Campus; I drive from southwest Fort Worth because I think this is a nicer campus, and I like my teachers,” she said.
   Another student, Sherry Burke, is dedicating her retirement time to raising three grandchildren and getting her higher education at TCC.
   After working for 26 years in the U.S. postal service, Burke retired at the age of 55. Two months later, her 18, 16 and 11-year-old grandchildren moved in with her.
   “ I’m getting a degree because I want to help my grandchildren through their education,” she said.
   Burke came back to school last spring on NW Campus to complete her associate’s degree. She wants to enroll in the nursing program.
   “ I fit right in at TCC. Students and teachers are so friendly, and I don’t feel uncomfortable at all,” she said.
   One advantage, according to Burke, is the teachers.
   “The science faculty is very helpful and nice,” she said.
   Burke said coming back to school has been good for her whole family, especially for her grandchildren.
   “ They are happy to see me studying, and I am being a good influence for them to reach a high level of education,” she said.
   Next semester, Burke and her 18-year-old grandson are planning to take a course together; he will graduate from high school and enroll at TCC.
   “ Having a career nowadays is important. Since I retired and have looked at the job market, I realize that it is more competitive than when I was younger,” she said.
   Another non-traditional student, Kay Eaton considered having access to education as a gift from God, and she is enjoying herself on South Campus.
   Eaton got an Associate in Science degree in merchandising in 1969. She understands that education opens doors and will receive her Associate in Arts degree this spring.
   “ I am still debating between UTA and UNT to get my business degree,” she said.
   Eaton is determined to be the first of her six siblings to earn a four-year degree.
   “ I always loved learning and being around the academic environment,” she said.
   Eaton has two sons and one daughter, who is on SE Campus.
   “ My daughter and I will graduate together this spring. I’m excited about that,” she said.
   Eaton also praised the faculty.
   “ TCC has knowledgeable teachers and interesting classes; teachers use variety to involve students in learning,” she said.
   Eaton suggests getting an education at a young age and enjoying the privilege.
   The Vietnam War interrupted higher education for William J. Quigley, but he chose SE Campus to achieve his degree.
   Quigley was sent to Vietnam when he was 18 years old, and he served in the military for more than three years.
   “ I was in Vietnam for about 18 months. I learned the language pretty quick and made good friends. I have good memories of the time,” he said.
   Quigley came home one day before the last U.S. soldier left Vietnam.
   “ The Vietnam War interrupted my education for about 35 years,” he said.
   After Vietnam, Quigley was sent to Russia and other countries where he needed to learn other languages.
   “ I know seven languages; sometimes I find myself using words from other languages,” he said.
   When he finished his military service, Quigley had a family to support and tried to sell cars for a few years. He was a driver, but two years ago he had a stroke.
   Influenced by his daughter, Quigley started to take classes. He is currently a full-time student and plans to get his degree at UTA in mathematics, chemistry and physics.
   Quigley enjoys school with traditional students, especially because SE Campus has a large population of Vietnamese students.
   “ Being around young students from Vietnam brings back a lot of memories; it makes me feel that I’m 20 years old again,” he said.
   For Quigley, TCC is a great college. He said the teachers are as good here as at a four-year college.
   “ This college offers fair tuition and uses the same textbooks as other universities. The level of professors is very high,” he said.
   “ I think the value of education at TCC is exceptional,” he said.