Adrienne Wonhof-Gustafson returned to school in September to obtain a law degree after graduating from Southern Oregon University two years ago. Only this time, she is returning with a three year-old daughter to care for.
Wonhof-Gustafson said she doesn’t get extra money for being a student parent, and she finds that having to pay for childcare while attending classes is frustrating.
“Spending the extra $500 is really stretching me thin,” she said.
Students like Wonhof-Gustafson have to face college life with family responsibilities in addition to homework and midterms.
To provide support and information for nontraditional students, the ASUO Women’s Center now offers a weekly meeting, “Women in Transition.” It is also a way for returning students, international students, older students and student parents to make friends and connections with people with similar problems and circumstances.
“Women in transition are women who are in transition between a prior life and a new life,” Women in Transition Coordinator Sayaka Mimura said. “I think many women are in this circumstance.”
Wonhof-Gustafson said she doesn’t know many people on campus and hopes to meet other nontraditional students at the meetings.
“Taking a lot of classes with 19-year-olds makes me feel old,” she said.
Jamuna Golden, office assistant at the Women’s Center, said the meetings could potentially offer more than just support to nontraditional students. It also gives them a chance to talk about issues, she said, and possibly explore solutions to some of their problems.
The meetings are open to everyone, including men, Mimura said. She added that meetings will start again next term, although the day and time have yet to be determined.
Mimura said the meetings will provide a forum for people to share their stories with others and learn about the resources available on campus for nontraditional students.
“The Women’s Center can provide information based on nontraditional students’ needs and interests,” Mimura said. “To see women who are in the same circumstances is a great opportunity for nontraditional students. They can make friends and connections.”
For more information, students can call Sayaka Mimura at the Women’s Center at 346-4095.