Couple Attends MOC Together
 | Article Courtesy MOC Public Affairs Dept. |
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For Chris and Sharon Doerr of Newport, NC deciding to return to College was all about meeting challenges. In their early 50's with three grown children and an empty nest, the couple finally had the time to commit to earning their degrees. So they challenged themselves and their offspring."We wanted to prove to our kids that it could be done," Sharon stated. "Two of our daughters are in the process of finishing their degrees as well. We challenged them that whoever finishes first, the others have to take the graduates to a very nice dinner. Get the bucks ready kids!"
Having no previous college experience and working full time, the Doerrs needed a program that offered flexibility. They found that program at Mount Olive College in New Bern where they attend one four hour class per week. They entered the program in November of 2007 and will graduate in December of this year with their associate degrees.
"We really like the idea of one subject at a time," Chris stated. "The classes fit very well with our schedules."
"Juggling work and school is always difficult as it takes a lot of time for homework, but we make it work," Sharon added. "We reward ourselves by making it a date night. We go to dinner first, then on to class."
The couple attends class together and studies together. They help each other, push each other and yes, challenge each other.
"When we get back a test or a paper, whoever gets a lower score has to buy dinner, our teachers love it," Sharon laughed.
"Our degrees will make both of us more marketable and with the challenging economy and employment circumstances as they are today, that is very important," Chris added.
Chris works for a contractor aboard Cherry Point MCAS. Sharon is a bookkeeper for a furniture store. The couple's three children are Elisha – 31, Melissa – 26 and Amber – 21.
"Earning our degrees is about finishing something we never got to do when we were younger," Sharon stated. "And we can't wait to say 'We did it!'"
After completing their associate degrees the Doerrs are contemplating pursuing their bachelor degrees at Mount Olive College.
