Different Experiences...Same End Result
 | Article Courtesy MOC Public Affairs Dept.
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Jhnea Turner, and her mother, Carrie, attend Mount Olive College. But other than the fact that they will both graduate together, their experiences couldn't be more different.Jhnea is a 19 year old traditional student attending the MOC location in Mount Olive. She is majoring in visual communications with a concentration in photography and graphic design. Jhnea is a member of the MOC women's basketball team, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, takes photos for the student newspaper and works part time as a waitress at Murphy's Restaurant in Mount Olive.
Carrie is a 46 year old wife and mother of two. As a nontraditional student, Carrie attends one four-hour class per week at the College's RTP location. She plans to enroll in the Management and Organizational Development program in May after obtaining her associate's degree.
According to Dr. J. William Byrd, president of Mount Olive College, the difference in the Turners' experiences at MOC is representative of the institution's ability to accommodate the needs of a diverse student population.
"We have excellent programming for traditional and nontraditional students," says Byrd. "Some students have jobs, families or other obligations that they cannot walk away from. Students might have had some college experience or none at all. Whatever their situations are…we can work with them to accommodate their needs."
Carrie knew when she enrolled her daughter at MOC in the fall of 2007 that the school was unique.
"I still remember Dr. Jordon (vice president for Academic Affairs) making all of us nervous parents feel comfortable about leaving our children at MOC," Carrie stated. "On the drive home I commented to my husband about how MOC felt different from the other college's we visited…more like family."
It was that feeling of family and the fact that her children, ages 19 and 17, weren't as demanding of her time anymore that led Carrie to take the educational plunge.
"I've always wanted to be able to go back to school and I've put it off mostly for family reasons, but now is a good time for me to focus on my education," she stated.
The experience has brought the entire Turner family closer together.
"I can relate better to my children when they are feeling overwhelmed, because I know the stress of exams, reading, final papers and grades," Carrie stated. She added that her husband, Steve, has been a strong supporter, pitching in with housework and errands.
"It helps so much knowing that mom is going through the same stress as I am," Jhnea stated. "She understands how hard it can be to manage a busy schedule and have a good GPA at the end of the semester."
Set to graduate in 2011, Carrie and Jhnea are excited to experience this major milestone together. And although their experiences are very different, the end result will be the same…a college degree!
"My mom is my best friend and I am so glad that I actually get to share this experience with her," Jhnea enthused. "I love her so much and wouldn't be the person I am today without her."
