Returning to education later in life can be a formidable but incredibly rewarding experience. Today, we're sharing the stories of Jackie and Dawn, two inspiring women who have overcome unique challenges to pursue their academic goals as part-time, mature students. They'll also explain how Glean has been instrumental in their success.
Can you tell us a bit more about yourselves and what you’re studying?
Jackie: I am a part-time student studying for an MSc in Forensic Psychology in the UK. I am 70 years young, I don’t have children or grandchildren, just a wonderful, kind and considerate husband so the time is our own!
Dawn: It has been over 20 years since I last studied at a college. Since then, I found myself a displaced housewife in my 50’s. I decided to return to school to better myself since I had only had a high school education.
With the support of my husband, in the summer of 2020, I started part-time at Palm Beach State College. At that time, I had to advocate to attend as I only had a 2.09 GPA. Currently, I'm studying youth development and plan to graduate in May 2025.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced when returning to education?
Jackie: I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. Adding to that I also have flexion deformity of both hands, so my fingers are very comfortably attached to the palms.
This means that any typing that I have to do is done with just my right thumb - I’m not looking forward to my dissertation which is 11,000 words in total. So compared to this, the part-time aspect of my studying is a breeze!
Dawn: Being part time isn’t so much of a challenge. A larger challenge that I have faced is comprehending what I read during classes, which makes it difficult to keep up with my professor. Plus, another challenge that I faced was partial blindness in the fall term of 2021 which affected my sight.
How has Glean helped you overcome learning challenges?
Jackie: I was dreading having to take notes because my writing is terrible. So, it was like music to my ears when the lady who assessed me for my DLA told me about Glean.
I now just switch the microphone on and let Glean do all the hard work of transcribing what’s being said. If there is a PowerPoint presentation, then I know how to insert the slides.
Dawn: When my advisor introduced me to Glean, I was thrilled to see how it recorded and transcribed word for word what my professor and peers were saying.
Being able to go back and relisten to specific points of a lecture helps me to better understand the subject matter without consistently contacting the professor.
With the transcribed notes, I can write my notes in a way that I am able to comprehend the lecture so I can better participate in the next class, in which we review what was previously discussed.
Regarding my partial blindness, I was able to change the settings to a dark theme, so I was able to still use the program successfully. One may not realize when you are not able to see clearly the difference a color scheme could make. Luckily, after treatment, I was able to regain my eyesight!
Has Glean changed the way you feel about studying or being at university?
Jackie: My friends think I’m bonkers for putting myself through such torture, but I love to study! With Glean there is no torture, and studying is all the more enjoyable. Why not try it if you haven’t already. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain with the peace of mind that Glean gives you!
Dawn: I wasn't sure that I was able to be a successful student at my age. Since using Glean, I have become more confident in my studies.
I started as a part-time student with a 2.09 GPA. I have achieved my AA degree, and an Associates Degree in Human Services. I currently hold a 3.78 GPA! Glean gave me the confidence I needed to help me study. It helped me become successful in my educational goals.
Key take aways for mature students
Jackie and Dawn's inspiring stories prove that it's never too late to pursue educational goals! Glean helps students from all backgrounds become confident learners by enabling them to review course material in a way that suits them best.
Mature students often face unique hurdles when returning to education, but these can be overcome with the right support. Dawn's remarkable and inspiring GPA improvement proves that, with the right support, returning to education can be incredibly rewarding!
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