USU organization helps reentry students
Susan Redding started her journey at Utah State University 18 years ago. Now, this Wellsville mother of two is back and receiving some extra support from the Pinnacle Honor Society.
The Pinnacle Honor Society was created in 1989 in Kentucky for non-traditional students, those who have had a hiatus in their college education. The first USU chapter was started in 1990, said Janet Osborne, Women’s Center and Reentry Student Center director. The society is open to students who have been out of school for five or more years, are 26 years or older and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
The society targets juniors and seniors and encourages leadership and volunteerism, Osborne said. More than 200 students have been inducted into the society since it’s beginning in 1990. On Thursday, 20 new members were inducted into the society.
Redding is one of these new members. She said she never intended on getting a college degree when she first started her college career in 1987. After a serious car accident left she unable to take some of her finals, she quit school. For years Redding made wedding cakes, but eventually decided that the trade took her away from her family too often on the weekends.
“I was just getting burned out,” Redding said.
Soon after, Redding started to substitute at schools and was encouraged by her fellow teachers to finish her degree. Now she is a junior majoring in elementary education and balances a full class-load with a busy family life as well.
“Individuals in the society are really very busy and many have said that being in the society is good for them because their children see their good example,” Osborne said.
Pinnacle also provides reentry students validation in their decision to return to school, Osborne said. The involvement in the society shows students they are capable of high achievement.
“I wondered ‘can I keep up?'” Redding said. “But it’s been a really good experience, a really good confidence builder.”
Redding was actually denied admission into USU when she applied for the second time because of her poor grades 18 years ago.
But after writing a letter appealing her case she was accepted. Since returning to USU in the fall of 2003, Redding has taken between 15 to 17 credits each semester and has found it easier to be a dedicated student the second time around.
“It’s easier because you don’t have to worry about the social aspect like making it to all the dances or that cute boy who sits by you in class,” Redding said. “Of course on the other side now I’m juggling school, a husband, my family and a house.”
Redding found out about the honor society at the Women’s Center where she works as a peer counselor. Students can apply each fall and can find information by stopping by the
Reentry Student Center. Extension students are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Acceptance into the society shows the persistence of the students and looks great on a resume, Osborne said.
-hilaryi@cc.usu.edu