Rich-Joseph Facun/THE POST Ohio University senior Blue Barringer contemplates the topic of her sociology class lecture. Barringer returned to seek her college degree after being out of school for 27 years. According to OU's Office of Institutional Research, 1,344 nontraditional undergraduates attend Athens' campus.

"I never thought of going to college."

But after 27 years of being out of school, Blue Barringer came back to earn her college degree.

Barringer, a 45-year-old senior at Ohio University, said it is an honor to go to college.

"For me, this is not something I'm doing because my parents put me through college right out of high school," Barringer said. "It's something I have given myself."

The majority of seniors at OU are in their early 20s, but according to OU's Office of Institutional Research, a total of 1,344 nontraditional undergraduates attend Athens' campus.

"By saying 'nontraditional,' we basically mean someone who is over 25 when they come to college and who has more responsibilities than the average student," said Tammy Kahrig, adviser of Gamma Pi Delta, the nontraditional students' honor society. "They might have jobs, families or parents to take care of, for example, that they are balancing with an education."

Many nontraditional students have been working on a degree for a long time, but their college work was interrupted.

In most cases, nontraditional students have endured a much longer road to earn their degree, Kahrig said.

For Barringer, school crossed her mind when she worked the night shift at a mental health center.

She would read a book every night while her clients were asleep and realized she could take that energy and apply it to a degree.

"(College) became an addiction," she said. It was a place where she could converse and interact with people who have a directed learning.

Barringer lives 15 miles from campus but still finds time for involvement in activities on and off campus. She is also a member of Gamma Pi Delta.

OU founded Gamma Pi Delta in 1986. It is designed to recognize the achievements of nontraditional students and to promote scholarship.

"It is very rewarding," Kahrig said. "It stands as a symbol for what the nontraditional students accomplish."

Barringer said many advantages of going to school at her age exist.

"I can appreciate my education so much. I care and I know I'm doing it for myself and not anyone else." Barringer said she is proud she is succeeding in college and earning high grades, which reflects well on her family.

"I get a lot of personal rewards and family support," she said. "My mother is very supportive."

Barringer, who will graduate next year, said she expects she eventually will go to graduate school. Meanwhile, she plans to take her degree in social sciences and entrepreneurship and join with others in opening new businesses in the area.

Barringer said she wants to see what the community needs and fill the empty buildings she sees with people who need work.

"Starting worker-owned businesses thrills me," she said. "I'm 45, and I'm just beginning my life again."

OU's University College 110 course teaches time management and study skills to freshmen, said Sharon Kousaleos, basic skills instructor at OU's Academic Advancement Center.

"One of my goals is to have the students do a lot of honest reflections. I want them to come away with a good understanding of themselves," she said.

Kousaleos specifically teaches them how to schedule their day, absorb more from reading material and how to study effectively for tests. She also stresses the importance of using the library and computers.

The class also is beneficial for students who want to improve their study habits, she said.

"It teaches them to make decisions for themselves," she said.

Kousaleos said she wants the students to think about life outside of the classroom. She asks them to think about their long-term goals and their strengths and weaknesses, she said.

For Hazen, a lot has changed since her freshman year. She changed her major from journalism to English education and does not drink as much anymore.

"Early on, learn how to divide your time. Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle," she said. "And take time to enjoy it."