Non-traditional student on the rise - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 47) --  A college degree is nearly a must in today's competitive world. Even learning a new skill set might be a good idea if you can't find work.

More non-traditional students are enrolling in college. Diane Honsey recently made the move from Lake Mills, Iowa, to Emmons, Minn., after working a job for nearly three decades. She's now a student at RCTC getting her degree in horticulture.

"When I was a little girl my great grandmother used to always send home what she called a slip of a plant, so she would cut off a leaf and I would take it home and I would start my own plants," Honsey said.

Honsey lost her job more than a year ago after working at Cummins Filtration for 27 years.

"They consolidated and moved the production line from Lake Mills down to Mexico," she said.

Honsey decided to make a move and head back to school, something that many people her age may have a hard time doing.

"It is scary, it's been a long time since I've been in school," she said. "I graduated in '76 so it's been many years."

So why did she decide to do it?

"Because it's my life long dream and when I lost my job it gave me that opportunity," she said.

Economic uncertainty is swaying more adults to go back to school.

"You have to love what you do in order to do it all the time," said Alex, who is in the RCTC horticulture program with Diane.

In 1995, Alex acquired his machinist degree and now works at the Rochester Golf and Country Club. 

"I'm hoping it broadens my horizon," he said. "Like I said, you learn more about trees and flowers than you ever thought you would."

Alex and Diane will be able to apply the lessons to their careers, but more than anything, the hands on experience will provide them with peace of mind.