For some mature students, it’s not their first time at Algonquin. Jimmy Barry, 27, a first-year student of general arts and sciences, was previously enrolled fresh out of high school.
There is a common sentiment which is echoed by most mature students when they’re asked about their choice to wait to pursue a post-secondary education: they’re now better prepared to give it the old college try.
Puns and outdated adages aside, it appears that for some people, going directly from high school into college is not the ideal scenario. In fact, it’s the opposite.
The first time around, Barry was enrolled in culinary arts. He stayed for one semester.
After leaving the program, Barry remained in the service industry. Over several years, he spent his career as a cook in some of Ottawa’s finest restaurants.
When he and his girlfriend, Michelle Drummond, decided to have a child last year, their daughter Elodie, Barry also chose to resume his education.
“You hear people say it all the time, but it changes everything,” said Barry. “I just knew that I wasn’t going to do it haphazardly, I wanted to be fully available. I wanted to take the opportunity while I still had it, to explore my talents.”
Barry is of the belief that Algonquin is the perfect environment for a young father to work hard, learn skills and improve his lot in life.
“Algonquin is very rich in resources, for not only as a mature student, but a student with an intellectual disability,” said Barry, “I have ADHD.”
During his first time at Algonquin 10 years ago, no one had known about his disorder. It took several years and the maturity he developed out in the workforce to be able to embrace it.
“I’ve only started owning it in the last year or so,” said Barry.
For some, their decision to enroll at an older age is prompted by their real-world experiences and having taken the time to consider how to proceed. Leah Erlandson was compelled to improve her business acumen.
“Now I have the resources available to me and I know what I want to do,” said Erlandson, 26, a first-year business administration student. “I was in retail management in the workforce. It really helped me understand some of the material in my classes.”
Seven years ago, Erlandson was a university student aiming at a bachelor of science. She chose not to pursue it any further. After some time away, she is now at Algonquin with a focus on accounting.
She said that while university wasn’t entirely all for naught, she much prefers the hands-on approach to education she’s now receiving.
“I got some credit exemptions. It fast-tracked my program a bit,” said Erlandson. “The college is really good at taking care of people who have previous schooling and life experience.”
Erlandson’s partner went to Algonquin, as well. Michael Farber graduated from the culinary arts program and encouraged her to enroll.
After high school, some people choose not to continue their formal education at all. Whether it’s due to poor grades, a lack of funding, or in 32-year-old David Winton’s case, simply a lack of interest.
He worked in retail management for 12 years before enrolling at Algonquin last year.
“I feel like now is the right time. I certainly have more of an appreciation for it,” said the first-year interactive media design student.
While currently a full-time student, Winton continues to work three times a week and make time for his wife, Amanda.
This is his first time in a classroom since high school and he’s thriving.
“I don’t think I would have been a very good student,” said Winton.