For many, college can be a home away from home. But one Wisconsin family gave it a whole new meaning. That’s because three generations of that family started the fall semester together at Carthage College in Kenosha.
Mia Carter, an 18-year-old accounting and marketing freshman, is starting her first semester at the liberal arts school alongside her mother, Amy Malczewski, 49, and grandmother, Christy Schwan, 71, the school tells PEOPLE in a statement.
Mia also has a “famous roommate” in her dorm: Samantha Malczewski, her 19-year-old sister, now a sophomore in Carthage’s nursing program.
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Samantha admits that she was shocked when she found out that her mother and grandmother would be coming along with them.
“They said, ‘Oh, we’re going too,'” she said Good morning America. – It was really surprising.
However, Mia said GMA that she sensed that both mom and grandma were interested in going back to school. The decision came after Amy’s great-grandmother died.
“I think my mom realized that your mom isn’t always going to be there,” the 18-year-old said, adding that “quality time” between mom and grandma was a major factor.
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Christy and her daughter are now in the school’s 10-month Masters in Business Design and Innovation program.
“Life is short, so I tell people to put aside their doubts and move forward,” Amy tells PEOPLE in a statement. – It is especially sweet to live this experience with mom.
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Amy, who has worked at the college for more than 20 years, told CBS affiliate WDJT-TV that she’s not only proud to see her daughters “grow up,” but that she’s so happy to see her “mom accomplish something that always wanted.”
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Christy, a retired small business owner and corporate executive, has published several books, by school. Her website lists “together is better than apart” and “it’s never too late for a fresh start” among her core beliefs.
“Age is no barrier to education,” Christy tells PEOPLE. “Older students bring a valuable perspective to class discussions.”
While Mom and Grandma’s schedule is vastly different from Mia and Samantha’s, the freshman said being on campus is a big plus.
“It’s nice that we can walk them to class, meet for a lecture, or just meet in the canteen for a meal,” adds Mia. “I really love having that touch of home right here on campus.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education