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3 generations, all at MUM at same time

Three generations of family members, Jared Hounshell, 18, his mom Dawn Hounshell, 40, and her mom Brenda Rosser, 63, were taking classes at Miami University Middletown this academic year in pursuit of their education.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Three generations of family members, Jared Hounshell, 18, his mom Dawn Hounshell, 40, and her mom Brenda Rosser, 63, were taking classes at Miami University Middletown this academic year in pursuit of their education.

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By Marie Rossiter, Staff Writer 12:01 AM Wednesday, June 2, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — New college students will often turn to older, more experienced students to get tips on how to deal with classes, new professors and other campus challenges.

When 18-year-old Jared Hounshell started at Miami University Middletown, he didn’t have to go far to seek advice. His mother, Dawn Hounshell, and grandmother Brenda Rosser were both MUM students with plenty of experience and wisdom to share.

Rosser graduated in December 2009 with an associate’s degree in business, while Dawn Hounshell is in her third year in the nursing program.

“I think it’s pretty great what they’ve done, going back to school after being out for a long time and with their families, jobs and lives, said Jared, a recent Monroe High School graduate who attended MUM during his senior year to get a jumpstart on his college career. “They really haven’t talked about all of that with me, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be.”

One of the most challenging parts for young Hounshell was not the unexpected run-ins on campus with his mom or grandmother; it was sharing a microbiology professor.

“It wasn’t at the same time,” Jared said. “But, they already had the class, so they knew what assignments there were, what the tests were.”

Dawn Hounshell admitted it was probably like having someone stand over her son’s shoulder.

“I would be like, ‘what do you mean you are having a hard time with this?’” she said with a laugh. “Not exactly fair and it probably put more pressure on him.”

Dawn Hounshell returned to college to advance her career after working as an licensed professional nurse for 10 years. She’s immersed herself in classes (with a 3.76 grade point average) and campus life, including being senator in student government, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, plus a part-time campus job.

Rosser said she always wanted to earn a degree and is the first member of her immediate family to attend college.

“It has been an absolute joy,” said Rosser, who is thinking about going back to MUM for a bachelor’s degree. “For me, it’s all about the love of learning.”

This fall, Jared will head to the Oxford campus. He already has earned enough credits to be considered a sophomore when he gets there. While he has enjoyed the time with his family at MUM, he is looking forward to moving on, even if it is only 45 minutes away.

“It will be good to be on my own and do my own thing,” he said. “This year has been really good, but I’m excited at having that independence.”

And, while mom and grandma said they are tempted to go and drop in on Jared, they’ve made a promise.

“It’s not going to happen,” his mother said. “We’ve loved this time with him, but it’s his time now. We are so proud of him and know he will do well on his own.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mrossiter@coxohio.com.

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