05/01/2007

Generation Why

All in the family

Mom and her two children are attending NMC at same time

BY HALI SIMMER
Special to the Record-Eagle

Record-Eagle/Douglas Tesner
Jodi Simmer, her son, David, 19, and her daughter, Hali, 16, all attend NMC.

I am a home-schooled sophomore, and for the last two years I have had the privilege of taking classes at NMC.

It's been great to have the classroom experience, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be dual-enrolled. What is unique this year is that my brother and my mom are also taking classes there, which has been an experience that is very different than what we're used to.

When I first started dual-enrolling, my older brother was a dual-enrolled senior, so I was able to take my first class with him. Now that he is in his first year of college at NMC, I'm used to taking classes without him. However, it's really nice to have him on campus because we can eat lunch and talk between classes. At home, he gives me tips on what classes and professors I should take, and we complain about homework together.

I have been home schooled since the first grade, and over the years have grown accustomed to a regular routine that my mom has planned out each year. Now, not only am I taking classes from other teachers, my mom has also started taking classes through the Bridge Program at NMC.

Because I, her "baby,” am only taking half of my classes at home, she decided to go back to school. I have to admit that it's a bit strange to have my mom going to "my school” when I'm used to her being my teacher, but it's fun to be able to give her a few tips about classes, professors, and math. I enjoy swapping stories about classes and complaining about homework with her as well.

While this unique experience is fun, it does have its negative points. For example, when three people need to use our family computer at once, it becomes a bit of an issue to schedule the use of it. When assignments are due and tests are coming, it can also be a little bit stressful at home.

It's never easy for me to juggle my home assignments with my college ones, but the busy schedule is good. For the most part, this school year has been as enjoyable as a school year can be, thanks to the fellow NMC students in my family.

Hali Simmer lives in Traverse City.