CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Parents across the state are preparing to send their kids back to school in the coming weeks.
But some moms and dads are making their way back to the classrooms in pursuit of their higher education degrees.
What You Need To Know
- Data shows a trend of adults age 25 and up enrolling in higher education institutions
- A Union County father recently made the decision to go back to school
- He says the associate degree will help to further advance his job opportunities
- He hopes these actions will motivate his sons to go after their academic dreams
One of those parents is Union County resident Dan Beightler.
Beightler, 39, wears many hats. He serves as vice president of operations for a private equity firm, a 911 telecommunicator for Union County Emergency Services and a distribution system operator for Union Power Cooperative.
He's also a volunteer firefighter for Sandy Ridge Fire & Rescue.
Beightler says whether at home or at work, he's always teaching his sons the value of hard work and to always go after their academic dreams.
He's teaching this lesson while pursuing his higher education goals.
Beightler recently made the decision to return back to school and get his associate degree, becoming the first student to enroll in South Piedmont Community College's Public Safety Administration program.
"Everything I do is all online because of the workload," Beightler said. "Squeezing in hours, making it a priority."
Beightler says he was motivated to go back to school to advance his job opportunities for more administrative roles.
"Not getting any younger. The physical stuff is becoming more challenging. The economy has changed. The job markets demands have changed. We got to learn new skills to stay competitive in the job market," Beightler said.
Michael Belk also serves as a volunteer firefighter and is enrolled in the Public Safety Administration program.
Belk says he enrolled in the program for reasons similar to Beightler, to further his administrative opportunities.
"Biggest thing is, I'm 45 years old," Belk said. "I work three different jobs. Anybody can do it if they want to take the time to do it. It will prove to the kids that daddy's not too old to do something."
Beightler says balancing his academic and work lives aren't easy but he's motivated by knowing his sons are watching.
"If I expect them to do well in school and work hard and hustle, I need to be able to show them dad's not afraid to do it either," Beightler said.
Data shows many adults are going back to school to further their opportunities.
BestColleges reports nearly 75% of college students in our country are considered non-traditional, many being age 25 and up.