SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Rolanda Clark and Sharon Yaw found that going back to school as adult learners is a two-way street.
They are role models and assist younger students with advice about real-world job situations, while their teenage classmates are more knowledgeable about the benefits of today’s latest technology.
Clark and Yaw are scheduled to graduate June 23 from the BOCES Horticulture, Landscape and Floral Design program, one of many BOCES courses available to returning students at the F. Donald Myers Center in Saratoga Springs.
“We had a really good group of kids working with us,” Clark said. “If you have children or grandchildren who are teenagers, it’s just like being around them all day. You go with the flow.”
She and Yaw, both Hudson Falls residents, previously worked for C.R. Bard, a Queensbury-based medical device manufacturer. In late 2012, however, they were among the 54 people laid off during a company downsizing.
Thanks to a federally-funded retraining program, they enrolled in the two-year BOCES program and are graduating early by doubling up on their course load. During graduation ceremonies, they’ll walk across the Saratoga Springs City Center stage wearing a cap and gown, just like other students, but with a special scarf as National Technical Honor Society members.
They’ll also be receiving certificates, showing they’ve completed the course. Armed with this and an updated resume, they plan to start visiting area nurseries and garden shops looking for new jobs.
“We’ve covered a lot of different things,” Yaw said. “I was especially interested in integrated pest management. It’s really important to learn how to grow things successfully without harming the environment. There are better ways to do things.”
Instructor Doug Fleischut said adult students are a valuable classroom asset.
“Sometimes they’ll reinforce things we’ve talked about,” he said. “It’s much more powerful than just coming from me. Plus, I think kids give the adults a little energy. They help each other out. I’m sure my adult students know how to text more now.”
High school student Peggy Hayner, of Mechanicville, said she appreciated the older women’s presence.
“They know a lot,” she said. “It’s really great having them here.”
Clark and Yaw said they weren’t at all hesitant about going back to school and they encouraged others to give it a try, too.
“You don’t necessarily have to be looking for a new career,” Yaw said. “Maybe there’s just something you want to learn more about. If you can work it around your regular job schedule, it’s great. It’s not that much of a time commitment. It keeps life interesting to learn something new.”
BOCES has a wide variety of programs to choose from including welding, heavy equipment operation and heating, air conditioning and ventilation. For information go to: wswheboces.org.