Workshop encourages adult education

Attending college is difficult for many students, but for those who are returning to school after being out of the classroom for many years, college might seem especially challenging. \nIndiana University's Returning Students Center (RSC) provides services and support for adults who are beginning or returning to college. A unit of the Bloomington Continuing Studies, the RCS is located in Owen Hall 204 and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. \nThe RSC started out as a returning women's service center that offered support for women returning to school who also had families or jobs. Over time, the RSC has become a center for all students returning to the IU campus.\nThe RSC specifically recognizes the needs of returning students are much different from those of their younger classmates. There are many programs the RSC provides to help adults adjust to college life and to achieve their academic ambitions. They offer peer mentors, workshops geared to returning students, a computer cluster, a library with information on scholarship and career planning, campus and community information and monthly events for returning students.\nRSC employee Susie Osowski said an average of 12 to 20 students goes though the center daily. Osowski said she often helps students get acquainted with computer skills, such as IU programs OneStart and Oncourse. \nIf an individual has decided to return to school or has never attended IU, the free workshop geared to returning students is an excellent way to find out if college is the next step for him or her. The workshop offers everything from information about courses, deadlines and financial aid. The upcoming return-to-college workshop is today from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Monroe County Public Library in room 1A. \nThe RSC not only provides general studies students with programs and advising opportunities, but the RSC's computer lounge offers students a great chance to relax between classes and converse with other returning students. Returning student and senior Lynda Curson said when a student is studying uncharted territory, it is nice to have a guide.\n"I have met some fine people, fellow students, advisers and guest speakers at the Returning Student Center," Curson said. "It is a good watering hole for those of us who thirst for continued education and camaraderie."\nThomas Greenwood, a returning student and now a full-time graduate student, was inspired to come back to school by a child with Down syndrome. He said he wanted the opportunity to help with the child's education. \nHe encourages returning students to use the RSC because it is a great quiet place to go and work when the other computer labs across campus are clogged. \nGreenwood is also a peer mentor for the RSC. He said the idea of the mentor is to provide a certain level of encouragement and direction to the students.\n"When you're 18 to 22 years old, it seems so hard, but when you're my age, it's a lot easier," Greenwood said. "It just requires a little effort to follow through and get the good grade."\nGreenwood believes returning to school is possible. He said this time around the distractions are jobs and family, as well as just going to class and doing the work. \n"Put your best foot forward and head out," Greenwood said. "It takes time, but anyone can do it." \n-- Contact Staff Writer Kristin Huett at khuett@indiana.edu.