Current GVSU Adult Learners
Gabby Dewey
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
I got a degree from Ferris State University in 2017 and messed
around for a while. Just before Covid started I started looking into
going back to college because I wasnt really happy, but then Covid
happened and I put it off.
I ended up getting a job in my field
and worked in it for just under a year when I realized I HATED my life
and could not keep doing this. I started looking around at collages
that had anthropology, that's what I've wanted to do since 2008, and
when I came across GV I had the thought of 'why not,' then when I
talked with a recruiter, I found out that I qualify for a few
scholarships and there was no application fee so I decided to apply
then and was accepted right away.
When I was in 8th grade, I saw a
video of an Egyptologist who was explaining that they could tell if
there was a mummy buried in the sand based on the moistness of the
sand and I was so impressed. I started looking into it, binged watched
all of 'Young Indian Jones' (I had already seen the Indiana Jones
movies) and started on my dream of being an anthropologist.
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
Almost everything at college is very much geared towards younger
students. Events are things that they would enjoy, for obvious
reasons. Most of the events are at a time when, if you don't live on
or near campus, you wouldn't be here anymore. It makes building a
network with your fellow classmates difficult.
Finances is also a
large thing. This semester I work three jobs, two other semesters I've
had three jobs as well, the other semesters I've worked two. It's the
only way I've been able to pay my bills and go to school.
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
I only have a dog so I don't have to worry about balancing with
family. At the beginning of the year I moved in with my boyfriend and
he wants me to focus everything on finishing school and not worry
about us because he will be the support for me.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
In my family, my mom got a degree, and one of my cousins got a
degree. Besides that, I am the only one to get a degree and the first
to get a second one on top of that. I couldn't tell you how many times
I've heard from friends and family that they are impressed and proud
of me for going back and for going back for what I wanted to do when I
was a kid.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
It is hard, don't get me wrong, but dont worry about the
professors treating you differently than other students because of
your age. I've actually found that a lot of the professors have made
better connections with me because I'm not as young as some of the
other students.
Interest Area(s)
Anthropology
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