Page 17 - Laker Connection Fall 2013

“I have enjoyed the support of my classmates, who have treated me as one of them. Whether young or old, they always gave me due respect. I can only say that I am grateful for my experience as a non-traditional student at Clayton State, and it has helped me to be more tolerant, thankful, forgiving, helpful and interested in others.”
- Pearlie Crocker, senior, psychology & human services major
each other as many are transitioning back to civilian life or simply adjusting to college life as a non-traditional student.
This center is also where I met Deidre Harrell, who serves as president of the Clayton State Non-traditional Student Organ- ization (NTSO) as well as a student assistant for the center. She came back to school in 2008, taking a couple of classes each semester, and is on track to graduate in summer 2014 with a degree in psychology.
“As a non-traditional student, you have so many hats to wear. I have many people in my life that I support as a wife, mother, grandmother, and I need time for my passions - plus, I am a student! You really have to find that pace that works for you and learn how to prioritize,” explains Deidre.
She has her own ties to the military, growing up with her father serving and then later marrying her husband Steven, who is now retired military. Deidre has a desire to work with active duty servicemen and women as well as veterans returning from deployment in need of a strong support system as they return “home.”
However, her desire to support the non-traditional student is also evident. She strives to see these students succeed and to create opportunities to be involved on campus or to simply have study partners.
For example, NTSO created Saturday Study Sessions aimed at those who cannot participate in the Midnight Study Sessions sponsored by the Campus Events Council. Non-traditional stu- dents often need afternoon times on the weekend to balance family and their academics.
“It’s been a really positive experience. Once you go home as a non-traditional student, studying often takes a backseat.
Offering these study sessions during key times around mid- terms and finals often really helps this group,” says Deidre.
“Non-traditional students are a large component of this uni- versity. Our voice needs to be heard, and we need to support the success of this institution as well as one another. We do impact this university.”
NTSO members (Front L to R) Jerrod Raymond, Deidre Harrell, and Neotha Catalan (Back L to R) Pearlie Crocker and Iris Abernathy
Non-traditional students gather for a Saturday Study Session created especially for students with families and careers.
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