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Two Sisters, One Dream

8/25/09

Nontraditional students Susan Butler and Robin Thurmond hope to transform lives in the classroom

There is no sense in dreaming if you do not dream big. Nobody knows this better than sisters Susan Butler and Robin Thurmond, who returned to school after more than 20 years to live out their dreams-to become teachers.

"I decided to go back to school because it was always unfinished business with me," Susan, a middle grades language arts and social studies major, says.

Robin, who is focusing on early childhood education, agrees.

"I have always wanted my college degree. I know that an education is something that can never be taken away from you," she says.

Susan refers to both of them as "seasoned" in comparison to their classmates. The sisters graduated from high school over 20 years ago, but their desire to start a family put their college plans on hold. After several individual attempts at college and a few more additions to their families, Susan and Robin decided they had waited long enough to do what they had wanted to do most.

Deciding where to fulfill their lifelong goal of earning their teaching degree was not a tough decision. Having lived in Bryan during much of their childhoods, Robin and Susan knew how special it was to attend Texas A&M University and become an Aggie teacher. In 2006, the sisters came to Texas A&M full time to earn their degrees.

"Teaching is important to me because I see it as a world-changing profession. I think a great teacher can change the world by making a positive impact on his or her
students," Robin says. "One comment that lifts a student up or encourages them to study is world-changing in my opinion. I want to be that kind of teacher."

Susan sees teaching as a way to help shape the futures of her students. "Teaching is important to me because children are our future, and they deserve the best we have to offer," she says. "I understand children because I am a mom and because I love children."

Susan and Robin both know how difficult it is to go back to school and hope to encourage others with similar life stories to achieve their own dreams.

"Don't sweat the small stuff," Susan says. "Make sure your husband or wife is on board with your goals and aspirations and is willing to share you with college. Don't expect to make a perfect grade on everything just because you are more ‘seasoned.'"

After waiting a few decades to walk across that stage, Susan and Robin did walk the stage in December 2008 and earned their education degrees. The two sisters will teach for a few years in the Bryan Independent School District before returning to school yet again
to pursue their master's.

"Ultimately, my goal in going back to school was to get my degree, but I learned so much more," Robin says. "I learned about myself and my capabilities. I made lifelong friends and will forever bleed maroon."

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