Non-traditional students deal with the unique challenges of raising a family while going to school full-time Harding School of Biblical Studies stu– dent Esteban Gonzalez studies for a major exam . HSBS, an accelerated program ~I'l Bible and ministry for students 21 and older, was located on the third floor of the Mclnteer building. (Photo by Michelle Scobba) Juniors Santiago and Raquel Collins swing with their daughters. It was not uncommon for parents to bring their chil– dren to campus to show them around - and show them off. (Photo by April Clem) • • 30 student life Charles and Kathy Hickmon were the quintessential non-tradi– tional students. The couple met while serving in the Air Force and have been mar– ried for 16 years. They are the par– ents of three children: John, 15, Caitlin, 13, and Emily, 12. Living in Bradford, the Hickmons made a 20-mile com– mute every day. Charles Hickmon, a secondary education physical science major, enrolled in the fall of 2000. He decided to cash in on his G.L bill and go back to school. He con– sidered attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, but a meet– ing with Dr. Jim Carr, executive vice-president, changed his mind. "I met with Dr. Carr to talk about Boy Scouts and I mentioned I was going back to school," Charles Hickmon said. "By the end of the afternoon I was enrolled at Hard– ing." Charles Hickmon came to Hard– ing because he was treated well by the faculty members. Also, the campus was close to Bald Knob, where his children at– tended school. Kathy Hickmon, who worked for a travel agency, decided to go to Harding as a pre-nursing major af– ter response to the attacks of Sept. 11 hit the industry hard. "Harding has a good nursing program," Kathy Hickmon said. "It's close to home and people here are extremely helpful." The couple appreciated the friendly atmosphere of the school. Right off the bat, they noticed the family atmosphere. "You don't find many schools where the professors really have an open door policy," Charles Hickmon said. "Professors are really great about taking time out to talk to you." As full-time students, they had more time to devote to their family. "Going to school shows the kids that if we can handle college, they will be able to also," Charles Hickmon said. Their children didn't seem to mind the change, either. "It's interesting because it gives us a chance to do homework to– gether," Kathy Hickmon said. "The kids think it's cool." Both were able to go to school full time without working because of their military service. Charles Hickmon said that, as an older student, he often was confused for a faculty member. "I am asked what department r work in all the time," he said. "I've even been called doctor." -Cody Usher
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==