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Orientation leader finds joy of college later in life
Harold Ethridge has served in the Vietnam War and worked as a heavy equipment operator for almost 30 years, but it's his love for higher education that led him back to college to inspire others at San Jacinto College.
Each semester, the nontraditional student takes pride in introducing incoming students to the campus as a new student orientation leader and offering words of encouragement on how it's never too late to earn a degree.
"I love seeing students excited about college," said Ethridge. "I encourage anyone, regardless of age, to continue their education. Why wait?"
Ethridge's first experience at a college education began at the age of 19, when he attended Texas Southern University's music education program. Shortly after, the Vietnam War began, and the young man found himself serving with the U.S. Navy for the next six years. He entered the work force thereafter and put his dream of a degree on hold for more than three decades.
Ethridge contemplated the idea of returning to college while substituting with the Galena Park Independent School District as a music education teacher.
"My wife, Lydia, and I would always talk about how I could go back to college," said Ethridge. "I knew I'd have to have a certain mindset going in - accomplishing my goal.
Enrolling as a part-time student in 2006, Ethridge quickly discovered the joys of being a college student by showcasing his skills on bass guitar as a member of the SJC jazz ensemble. He is currently one class shy of completing his music education program at SJC North and plans to transfer to a university once he is finished.
"In my last nine years of counseling students, one thing I've learned is how nontraditional students rise up in their classes to become mentors in the group," said Clare Iannelli, dean of student development at the North campus. "At times, they surprise themselves because they discover quickly that they are leaders."
Once a term used to describe older students, "nontraditional" now includes students who have taken breaks in their college education or parents who attend college. San Jacinto College is home to a large and diverse population and is meeting the needs of nontraditional students with the establishment of groups like Preparing Adults for College Excellence at the North campus, the Never Too Late program at Central campus, and Together in Education Support at the South campus.
San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. For more information about San Jacinto College, please visit www.sanjac.edu, or call 281-998-6150.