Current GVSU Adult Learners
Andu Tekle
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
My fiancée has always encouraged me to go back to school and
pursue my degree. I have eight years experience as a Legal Services
Specialist in the Marine Corps followed by three years in Emergency
Medical Services and then three years working in dispatch for Kent
County. I had quite a bit of work and life experience but no degree to
back it up, which limited my qualifications for career advancement.
After my first semester, I decided to dual major in Legal Studies and
Public and Nonprofit Administration. I have always had an affinity for
the law and attracted to positions that allowed me to help people so
Legal Studies and Public and Nonprofit Administration were easy choices.
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
I have a whole family. I am a father of three and am engaged to
be married. Balancing my responsibilities as a partner and father with
working full time and dual majoring have definitely been a challenge
to say the least, but I have been lucky enough to have amazing
instructors that understand my situation and have always been willing
to work with me. I wouldn't have made it this far without their help
and the support from my fiancée and family.
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
As I said above, balancing all of my commitments has been and
continues to be difficult. I always feel as though I'm dropping the
ball in one area or another. Support from my instructors and my family
has eased some of my challenges and doubts. I find that planning ahead
is always the best policy. Also, clear and honest communication with
my instructors and family about my needs and difficulties has always
worked out for me.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
I always forget how much I am taking on. Having a family, working
full time, and dual majoring is a lot when you think about it, but
while going through the motions sometimes I forget that. When I
explain what I'm doing to others and see their reaction, it gives me a
sense of pride in what I'm doing and what I've accomplished thus far.
When I hear my fiancée tell me how proud she is, it rekindles my
desire to keep pushing.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
Don't doubt yourself. Do some evaluating of your situation, talk
to people who have been through it and make a plan. If you have a
family, be sure to include them in that plan. Even one class at a time
is one class closer to your degree and one step closer to career
advancement. You are capable of so much. The only thing holding you
back is you.
Interest Area(s)
Legal Studies
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