Some Penn State students start college at 18. For our continuing education students, the path has taken a few more turns. We hope you enjoy their stories and find inspiration in them. 

Balancing family, work, and college

Going to college doesn’t have to take the focus away from your family or job. Tammy May, an admisitrative support assistant with Penn State Undergraduate Admissions, finds her college experience is enhancing those aspects of her life. Read more.

Trading a career for a calling

Mark Jordan enjoyed a successful career as the chief financial officer at a major hotel. He balanced his career by serving as a missionary and an EMT. Then in 1996, after a heartbreaking missionary trip, he left finance behind. Read more.

Leading by example

Angela Manbeck, the proud mom of three school-age children, knows the secret to motivating her kids to do well in school — you throw in a little healthy competition. Ever since Angela decided to go back for her degree, she and the kids have been competing to see who could get better grades. Read more.

A family affair

Going to college had been a dream for Justina Fisher and her husband, George, but before they knew it, the children came along, and life took a different path. Yet dreams have a way of resurfacing. Read more.

Winning back the American dream

Working for Case New Holland, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment, paid the bills for Brian Dietz and Troy Hartsock for nearly 20 years. They were good, steady jobs — until the local plant closed and left them looking for work. Read more.