Current GVSU Adult Learners
Catherine Gonzales
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
I had accepted a position running the school nutrition program at
an early childhood center, and their culture of continuing education
and professional development inspired me to further my learning in the
field. I wanted to expand my future career options by acquiring some
formal qualifications in the nutrition field, beyond the industry
certifications I'd already obtained. I met with Ms. Kate Vanderkolk at
the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies to discuss a return to
academia; she and my advisor were great about helping me transfer
credits from my original bachelor's degree program, and even AP
classes from way back in high school!
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
Honestly, the initial decision to pursue a return to school was
the toughest part: the uncertainty of not being sure whether it would
be possible for me. I also did feel some guilt about splitting my
attention between schoolwork and parenting -- but I've found ways to
involve my kids in my learning at home, and I hope I'm setting a good
example for their own educational journeys!
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
As a parent of two young children with a demanding full-time job,
finding time and arranging logistics has sometimes been challenging
sometimes! Hybrid and online formats for classes have been a blessing
in that regard. I am also fortunate to have a strong support network.
My colleagues at work and my professors and advisors at GVSU have been
great about flexible scheduling, prior learning credits, and similar
accommodations for my circumstances. I do think there are some
positives to being an adult learner -- compared to my first
undergraduate experience, I have found that I now have much better
intrinsic self-motivation, time management, and coping skills when the
workload feels overwhelming.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
I am excited about my upcoming graduation with a B.Sc. in
nutrition science, as well as my recent acceptance to the master's
program in Clinical Dietetics at GVSU. I was also humbled to receive
my department's "Excellence in a Discipline" award last
year. Other highlights include my clinical practicum at Mary Free Bed
rehabilitation hospital this semester, and tackling science and health
classes like organic chemistry, biochemistry, and anatomy &
physiology. Some of my undergraduate laboratory experiences have been
particularly interesting, like the "unknown" final project
in microbiology where I successfully identified two mystery species of
bacteria from a test tube!
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
Since you're not on a traditional college-age timeline, you can
always take it slow and see how it goes! When I started back, it was
part-time -- just a couple of classes each semester. When those went
well, I was able to eventually scale up to taking three or four
courses at a time. It has been hard at times, but worth it!
Interest Area(s)
Applied Food and Nutrition
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