Kean student experiences college and dorm life — at 59

By Jennifer Padilla | Published by April 13, 2018

In 1958, shortly after Kean student Barbara Dashields was born, her godmother opened a college fund anticipating that her godchild would get a higher education. 

Instead, Dashields dropped out of high school in her senior year. 

“I wasn’t interested at the time,” Dashields said. “I missed a golden opportunity.”  

Her godmother is now deceased, but 59-year-old Dashields is finally fulfilling her goal. Dashields is a student majoring in communication at Kean University where she is also living the full college experience as a resident in a Kean dormitory.  

In 2015, the mother of four and grandmother of three decided to pursue a higher education following a “downsizing” at her job of 11 years in Account Receivables. Living in Orange, N.J. at the time, Dashields was a commuter, until she purchased a home in Tobyhanna, Pa. last year.  

She loved Kean University and its professors so much, that transferring wasn’t an option, she said. Her husband, George Perry Dashields Sr., 64, drove her two

hours each way to campus, until she decided to move into a dormitory this school year to relieve him of the long trek. 

Semetrius Baxter, a 22-year-old psychology senior, was “shocked” to find that her roommate wasn’t the typical student she had been accustomed to. 

“I dormed last year with people my own age, and we were all still trying to figure out life,” said Baxter. “Barbara gives me a lot of wisdom in certain situations in life that I am going through.” 

Although Dashields enjoys being alone, she loves the company of her budding roommate, whom she calls “missy.”  

Walking from Sozio residential hall to CAS is a struggle for Dashields who was diagnosed with Sciatica ten years ago— a condition that causes pain from the lower back to behind the thigh and can radiate below the knee, according to medicinenet.com. 

“Waking up is very hard, but I can’t quit,” she said. “I haven’t missed a class or been late in three years, and I want to keep that.”  

The National Center for Education Statistics calculated in 2015 that 8 percent of college students are 35 and over. 

But Dashields enjoys being around her mostly millennial classmates at Kean.  

“They are so nice,” she said. “I’ve met so many friends.” 

The baby boomer’s room was filled with photographs of her husband, her family and church mates, as well as self-made decorations such as a pair of gem-embedded shoes and the word ‘Believe’ on the closet door in aluminum letters.  

A picture on the wall reads, “I love red shoes, but my heart belongs to my husband”; and a rug says, “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle: George [her husband], you are the sparkle in my life. I love you, baby.”  

“If it wasn’t for him, I know I wouldn’t be here,” said Dashields. “He tells me, ‘Get to your computer and start working.’” 

Mr. Dashields tells her he admires her strength: “I’m like, ‘What strength?’” added Dashields. “He says, ‘You are stronger than you think.’” 

There isn’t a particular career Dashields plans to pursue after graduation; however, she has always worked with the public. 

“I’ve had people yell and curse, that’s why I am taking up communication,” she said. “I want to better myself in speaking with people and have more patience. I want them to know that there are people who are kind.” 

Dashields communicates daily with her family and goes home every weekend unless weather conditions become difficult. After church on Sundays, she visits her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease and lives in a nursing home in Montclair.  

“When I go see her, I don’t call her ‘Mom’ anymore. She doesn’t know I am her daughter,” said Dashields. “I miss talking to her. I miss the tight hugs she used to give me. My mom will always be my hero.”  

She expressed the importance of good rapport with parents: “Remember there might be a time when you can’t communicate with them, and that’s what hurts the most.” 

Dr. Jack Sargent, communications professor and executive director, said Dashields raises the education bar for everyone in the classroom.  

“She’s a delight to have in class,” said Dr. Sargent. “I think students really appreciate her perspective as a non-traditional student.” 

The third-year learner is expecting to graduate in the spring of 2019, eight months after her 60th birthday.  

Mr. Dashields holds a bachelors in pre-law, and a first-year graduate of theology. And following his wife’s graduation, it will be his turn to return to school to pursue a Master’s Degree in marriage and family counseling.  

“I’m very excited,” said Dashields. “I can give him in return what he gave to me: Lots of support and encouragement.”  

Eager to share her story, Dashields wanted others to know that it’s “never too late” to do what you want.  

“I am fighting to do this to encourage someone else; even just one person,” she said. “It’s very easy to quit, but you have to be a fighter.” 

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