The Times

Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Rose Pulido Non-traditional student Lavada Varner will graduate at the end of this semester and credits the Never Too Late club and founder Kaye Moon Winters. The club was founded at San Jac to help non-traditional students adjust to modern college life and to succeed in college classes.

Lavada Varner never expected to become a local celebrity after the college featured her story on the front page of the website this summer.

After the story ran, ABC picked it up along with a couple of local newspapers. She also landed a guest spot on Great Day Houston, a local talk show broadcasted from KHOU studios and hosted by Debra Duncan.

"I'm not star struck, it's not important to me that my picture or my name is anywhere," Varner said. "What matters to me is the message."

Kaye Moon Winters, the creator and director of the college's Never Too Late program, and also a former graduate of the college, accompanied Varner to speak about the program.

The segment of the show featured Moon Winters and Varner who spoke about the NTL program and Varner's success in college.

A program created to assist students over the age of 27 returning to college after a number of years, Varner credits the program and Moon Winters for her academic achievement. "Because of Kaye I was able to do it; that's the only reason I stayed on track is because of her, " Varner said.

Varner, a 61-year-old student, graduates this semester with an associate degree in social science.

At an age when she should be contemplating retirement, she is thrilled to finally pursue her life's ambition of achieving a college degree. Varner also takes classes at the University of Houston where she pursues a degree in hotel and restaurant management.

Varner never considered age as a factor and after meeting Moon Winters and receiving the support she lacked, she quickly realized she did not stand alone on her quest.

"The non-traditional student is the fastest growing cohort group on college campuses," Moon Winters said.

Varner stands proud to be a member of this genre and has plans to continue her advocacy for the non-traditional student after graduation.

"What I can do because I'm older is contribute, encourage, speak, participate and be part of the college community," Varner said.

She nostalgically looked around the North campus café, her favorite place to enjoy a cup of coffee, and said she will miss the students and being part of the San Jac community.

Wherever, her path may take her, Lavada Varner maintains the optimism she will land the opportunity of a lifetime and will have the time of her life getting there.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools