Dave Lipscomb has never set foot in Chico. He lives 460 miles away but may visit when he graduates from Chico State.
Lipscomb, 53, said many older students find online to be the only option when working to support their families.
He began taking classes after losing his job. Lipscomb said he needed a new set of skills that would last.
"I needed to change to work I could do long after my physical abilities declined, so that I wouldn't be poor when old," Lipscomb said in an e-mail interview.
When he returned to school, Lipscomb had to learn the technology as well as the content in his classes.
"It is a hindrance," he said. "One more thing between me and my goal."
Lipscomb had a new computer and broadband Internet service when he started the program, but he had to gain computer skills to pursue the degree.
"I was actually a technophobe who could just look at a computer, and it would malfunction," Lipscomb said.
However, he said learning how to use computers has been an added benefit of his educational program.
"A higher level of computer competency is automatically acquired in the overall learning process," he said.
Lipscomb had an associate's degree when he began the online program but hadn't taken a class in more than 20 years.
"Heck," he said, "there was no such thing as online classes back then."
He earned his associate's degree from a community college that was mostly for commuting students.
"I missed something wonderful when I missed the campus life part of my education," Lipscomb said.
At this time in his life, he said, a degree will make up for lost opportunities.
"I missed a lot by not being a part of that," Lipscomb said. "But, being 53, I don't belong in a dorm either."
Brea Jones can be reached at:
bjones6@mail.csuchico.edu
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