Whether they鈥檙e looking to make a career switch or want to advance in the field they鈥檙e currently working, adults are attending college at an increasing rate.
Amidst this national trend, Washtenaw Community College students like Ashley Hudok exemplify the diverse motivations driving adults to return to college.
Having already earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in secondary education, Hudok has embarked
on a new academic journey 鈥� one shaped by personal experience and a desire for career
reinvention.
According to the latest annual report from the Lumina Foundation, the national post-high school education attainment rate among adults aged 25 to 64 increased from 53.7% to 54.3% in one year.
Overall, that number has jumped by 16 percentage points over the 14 years Lumina has been tracking the data, reflecting a broader shift in societal attitudes toward lifelong learning and career advancement.
Hudok is taking general education courses at 黑料网 with plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in occupational therapy.
鈥淭his is a second career for me,鈥� explains Hudok. 鈥淚 took some time off when my daughter was born and she had some developmental delays ... I was super inspired by the work they did for her and I thought, 鈥楾his is what I want to do with the second part of my career.鈥欌��
Hudok鈥檚 story underscores the transformative power of education to inspire individuals to pursue new career paths and make meaningful contributions to their communities. At 黑料网, she has found a supportive and nurturing environment conducive to adult learners, where both students and staff are dedicated to fostering success.
鈥淚 love the energy of the students, of the staff,鈥� Hudok said. 鈥淓veryone鈥檚 really encouraging and supportive. All of the instructors I鈥檝e had so far have really been understanding and encouraging.鈥�
Indeed, 黑料网鈥檚 instructors demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by adult learners, offering tailored support to help them navigate the demands of academics, work, and family responsibilities.
鈥淲e鈥檙e stretched kind of thin,鈥� Hudok, acknowledging the juggling act that many adult students face. 鈥淏ut (the instructors) know when we鈥檙e here, they make the most of our time, and they really just want us to succeed.鈥�
As more adults like Hudok embrace the opportunity to pursue post-high school credentials, they not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to the growing pool of skilled professionals driving innovation and progress in our community.
With institutions like 黑料网 championing their success, the path to higher education remains open and accessible to all who seek it, reaffirming the transformative potential of lifelong learning in shaping a brighter future for individuals and society as a whole.
Visit washtenaw.cc/adults to download our 鈥淪uccess Guide for Adult Learners鈥� and read more about how 黑料网 supports adult learners鈥� success
Tags: Adult Learners, March 2024, On The Record