Over the summer when I was explaining to my grandma all the classes I would be taking Fall semester, one in particular stood out to her: Food and Drink in the Ancient World. I, too, was excited for the class but didn’t think much of the conversation, as we’d had many like it before. Then she said, “I really wish I could take that class.” I replied, half-serious, “Oh, well Rutgers actually has a program where they let people over the age of 65 sit in on classes for free!” My grandma jumps on it and flash forward three months and she has her Rutgers ID, parking permit, and is a pro at Sakai. What I didn’t suspect was how taking a class with her would help me to grow as a student. Here’s how:
1. You do all the readings for class, and understand them.
She texts you the night before every class to see if you’ve done the readings, and you know she’s going to ask you questions about it when you see her.
2. But she also relates to your struggle.
“This is getting to be a lot of reading. And you have this much for every class?”
3. You dress better.
You can’t let your grandma see you in a sweatshirt and sweatpants.
4. You stay focused in class, knowing that being in a college class is a privilege.
She thinks that taking a college course is the coolest thing in the world.
5. You appreciate the fact that you can go to college.
Although she wanted to go when she was your age, her father told her, “Girls don’t go to College.”
So, grandma here’s to the rest of the semester!