When it comes to an undergraduate education, can you be in the right place at the wrong time?
Darlene Eason of Eatontown, NJ, enrolled at Georgian Court College (GCC) in 1979 to pursue a degree in Visual Art and Elementary Education—but life circumstances led her to leave before completing her degree. This semester, 45 years later, she re-enrolled at GCU to earn a B.A. in Visual Art and will graduate as early as December 2024.
We sat with Darlene to learn about her experience as a returning student and why GCU was the right place for her, then and now.
Why did you originally choose to enroll at Georgian Court College in 1979?
GCC had everything I was looking for—academically and more. I was drawn to the college’s Christian values, since I had recently learned of the love of God expressed through Jesus Christ. It was key for me to find others who were living with the awareness of God’s love. GCC offered excellent academics in addition to an opportunity to grow my faith.
If you don’t mind sharing, why did you choose not to complete your degree at the time?
It was a matter of shifting priorities at that time in my life. I met my husband, Bob, and we began our family and raised our children. I decided to take classes at Brookdale Community College with the knowledge that I could transfer those credits to GCU and complete my degree when the time was right. I also discovered my love for pottery during that time. Combining my love of pottery with my faith, I started a program called “Glorious Vessels,” where I teach the Biblical parable of The Potter and the Clay through pottery classes. Although my focus shifted, I always kept the idea of returning to GCU in the back of my mind throughout those years.
Why did you decide to return to GCU at this time in your life?
I’m so happy my path led me back to GCU. My journey hasn’t been all joy, though. I lost my husband in October after a five-and-half year battle with brain cancer. I was taking online courses at a different university, but I had to withdraw in order to take care of Bob. After he passed, I no longer needed the virtual option, so I decided it was time to reconnect with GCU.
The art classes that I’m taking this semester have been an incredible source of healing for me. I didn’t expect to find this opportunity to express myself, but it has been a gift during the grieving process.
Where does your passion for art come from?
My dad was an artist, incredible with pencils, pens, and brushes! He encouraged me to explore art, but I did not find my passion for it until I got my hands in the clay.
What has it been like to return to the university as a nontraditional student? How has the GCU community supported you through this process?
It has been inspiring to be back on campus! The Mercy core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service resonate with me and remind me that I still have an important part to play. I’ve found the GCU community to be accepting, helpful, and encouraging in practical ways, as well as through expressed sensitivity to my unique needs.
Which GCU faculty members have made a significant impact on your educational experience?
From days gone by, Sister Caroline (a Dean at the time) really believed in me, and Sister Nick taught me what it looks like for a teacher to care about both her subject and students. Currently, Leo Morrissey, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Art, has been a tremendous help to me in clarifying my goals, discerning my next steps, creating a plan, and providing an environment where I can enjoy my artwork while moving forward toward graduation.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced throughout your academic career, and how have you overcome it?
Life situations, circumstances, and timing have been prohibitive. Sometimes, we have to jump in when an opportunity presents itself. Other times, we need to create the opportunity for ourselves. Discerning the difference is key.
What are your goals for the academic year?
By the end of the year, I hope to create work that I can proudly present at our senior exhibition. Working toward this goal is bringing me full circle, as I’m expanding on the skills I learned when I first came to GCU years ago. I’m grateful for the opportunity to further develop my art, and I hope to continue to build on these skills throughout my life.
In addition, I would like to get involved with Campus Mission and Ministry.
Where do you think you would be now if you had not taken the opportunity to complete your degree at GCU?
The opportunity to complete my degree might have slipped away if I hadn’t taken advantage of it. I believe choosing where to invest your time is one of the most important and consequential decisions you can make.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll continue to seek ways to grow personally and opportunities to share the wisdom and experience that I’ve gained with others who can benefit. I will, of course, continue to enjoy my clay-work and share God’s love with those who want to hear.
What advice do you have for other nontraditional students who took a break from college, want to complete their degrees, but are unsure where to start?
Just do it! Take the first step! Invest in yourself by enrolling.
I found everyone at GCU in Admissions, Registration, and Financial Aid to be helpful and encouraging. I now have a clear path and am enjoying immersing myself in my art while working toward graduation.
