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For many students, university life is a chance to get away from the watchful eyes of parents and grandparents — a time to spread their wings and discover more about the world and themselves.
Mia Carter and her older sister, Samantha Malczewski, who live in the same residence at Carthage College Wisconsin — were surprised to learn their mom, Amy Malczewski, who teaches at the college, and her granny, Christy Schwan, would also be enrolling as students this year.
It's the first time in the college's history that three generations of the same family are attending the university at the same time, said a spokesperson.
Mia (18) is in her first year of accounting and marketing and Samantha (19) is doing her second year of nursing studies.
“It’s kind of like bringing a piece of home with you, and it’s a great support system,” Mia told CNN.
Amy (49) and Christy (71) are both doing a master's degree programme in business design and innovation.
Samantha admitted she was shocked when she learned her mother and grandmother would also be attending classes at the college.
“They were like, ‘Oh, we’re going too,’” she told Good Morning America. “It was really surprising.”
Amy has worked at the college, now as a graphic design instructor and career specialist, for more than 20 years.
“I’ve been coming here since I was five,” Mia told CNN.
“Actually, since you were born,” added Amy.
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The mom and grandmother decided to return to studying after the death of Christy's mother, Mia's great-grandmother.
"I think my mom had a realisation that your mom's not always gonna be there," the first-year student tells People.
“I think it’s just the fact of them literally going to the same classroom every day, probably working on projects, and just gaining another aspect of spending time with her, like that good quality time was a factor,” she says.
Amy said it was her mom, Christy, who gave her the idea to join the same programme.
"Life is short, so I tell people to push their doubts aside and go for it," Amy says.
"It’s especially sweet to go through this experience with my mom."
Age is no deterrent to education, says Christy, adding that “older students bring a valuable perspective to class discussions".
She says she might even consider doing a PhD when she's 80.
Christy says although the four are at college together, she wants her grandkids to experience college life to the fullest, and adds, "I'm not a helicopter granny."
SOURCES: PEOPLE.COM, CBS58.COM, GOODMORNINGAMERICA.COM, CNN.COM
