The traditional college student: A 20-something young adult earning a degree at a higher level of education at an institution or university. The non-traditional student? Cheryl Kish.

Kish, an NIU professor and student, has worked in the department of teacher education for eight years, but she says it’s time to move on.

“I never like to stay in one place for over eight years,” she said.

Kish’s next big move, beginning in June 2002, will be joining the Peace Corps and living in Africa. Kish has returned to school to take French, a commonly-used language in Africa.

“I have lived in the United States as a white female my whole life,” she said. “I have never experienced the real world.”

In Africa, Kish will leave the realm of teaching to work with people on social skills. After working with foreign exchange students at NIU, Kish realized that she wanted a better understanding of the world around her.

“I am never too old to try something new or to accomplish my dreams,” she said.

Kish is not the only student at Northern who is trying to accomplish her dreams. Brian Daley, an NIU history major, came back to school to get his degree.

“Without a college education, you can only make $12 an hour,” he said. “I wanted more.”

Daley, like many other adult students, is a part of the SWAN organization, also known as Students Who are Non-traditional. Daley is the vice president of SWAN, which was started in 1991.

President Stephanie Williams runs the organization, which currently has about 60 members.

“SWAN is a place where adults can go to relax,” Daley said. “We are a group that helps adult students with issues normal students don’t have.”

SWAN is open to all adult students interested in meeting other adult students.

Daley’s plans for the future include teaching history, something he always has wanted to do. He doesn’t feel he will have a problem getting a job after earning his degree.

“News indicates that the need for teachers will go up in four years,” he said. With the help of grant money and the GI Bill, Daley was able to attend college. He chose NIU because it was a university offered by one of the grants Daley received.

“A better education makes life more full,” Daley said. “You can also buy fun toys, too.”