8
The Olivetian
Fall 2006
BY HEATHER (QUIMBY) DAY ’02
The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
Education Beyond Degree
I
t’s a pitch-black Monday morning when Darlyn Patalinghug ’08 A.A. reaches over to turn off the blaring alarm clock. Without her glasses, she squints to read the large, red numbers: 4:45 a.m. — she’d better get a move on. 5:35 a.m.: After a quick shower, blow dry and breakfast, she slips into the room shared by her 13- and 7-year-old daughters. They barely stir as she kisses them each on the forehead. Darlyn whispers she’ll see them tonight, then grabs her car keys for the 45-minute drive from Bourbonnais to the Metra train station in Midlothian, Ill. 6:25 a.m.: Sliding into one of the train’s front seats, Darlyn takes a book from her bag to pass the time until she arrives in Chicago. 7:01 a.m.: Darlyn begins the 15-minute hike from the Metra station to her insurance office. She’s lucky today — no umbrella needed, as the sun is rising into a clear blue sky. 4 p.m.: “Yes,” Darlyn clicks on the Microsoft prompt. She couldn’t be more sure she’s ready to end her Windows session. The train leaves in less than a half hour, and she simply can’t afford to wait for the next one. 5:35 p.m.: Pizza, sandwich or hot dog? The choices for a nutritional meal are looking bleak at the Bourbonnais Speedway, but there’s no time to stop anywhere else. Darlyn’s group is making a presentation tonight, and she’d really like to run through her notes one last time.
6 p.m.: “Good evening, everyone,” booms the professor. “Before we get started, would anyone like to offer a short prayer?” 10:05 p.m.: Darlyn turns the key in her car’s ignition and heads toward home. It’s been a long day — a very long day. But this is the choice she’s made, and she smiles as she contemplates the reason. In May 2008, when she stands in her cap and gown before her family, professors and peers, she knows it will be worth it all. She will have earned the right to call herself a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University.
HEATHER (QUIMBY) DAY ’02
DARLYN PATALINGHUG ’08 A.A.
A beautiful tapestry
“It’s all about Christianity”
Who is the Olivet student? With the rapid expansion of the University’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Olivet’s student body has developed into a beautiful tapestry representing all walks of life. ONU students are nurses, teachers, salesmen, managers, stay-at-home moms, police officers, preachers, radio personalities, carpenters, and in a plethora of other professional positions. Their ages run the gamut, and they have varied educational backgrounds — some have bachelor’s or master’s degrees, others have just a little college under their belts. A few haven’t been in a classroom since high school more than 10 years prior.
Perhaps more significant is the spiritual impact the University’s graduate and continuing studies programs are making in the lives of students. Central to each course, be it in business, nursing, education or otherwise, is a commitment to lifting up Jesus Christ and His teachings. For Darlyn, this Christian focus has played an integral role in her growing faith. Though the young woman grew up going to church on a weekly basis, her relationship with God faded in early high school. She soon found herself mothering a child at 16 and moving out on her own at 18. “Before coming to Olivet,” Darlyn sheepishly admits, “I didn’t really know what a Nazarene was. But when I took my first course, I realized it’s all about Christianity, and I like that. “Having the Christian background to the college has made my faith stronger, and it’s gotten me closer to the Church and made me want to go to church on a regular basis.”
Skills for life For many adult students, the decision to return to college is made primarily for professional reasons. Dana Washington ’07 M.B.A. says, “My motivation for seeking my master’s degree is self-preservation and to become more marketable for maybe a director or vice president’s position.” Her classmate, Cary Frame ’07 M.B.A., also hopes the business courses will allow him to gain knowledge that will “better assist [me] in obtaining an upper management position.” Darlyn, who is studying for her associate’s degree, admits the possibility of promotion is a motivator for her, but she recognizes the courses have other benefits — both professionally and personally. “Not only will it help me to move up in the company, but it’s also helping me with life skills like leading a group, giving presentations and more.” She also says she hopes her return to school will serve as inspiration for her two young daughters.
w
w
w
.
o
l
i
v
e
t
.
e
d
u