This mother-daughter duo is living out a real-life scenario of “An Extremely Goofy Movie,” with both of them enrolled in the same college major.
The college experience is certainly unique for WSU Vancouver students, especially for Junelle Lawry and Betsy Hanrahan, a mother and daughter duo on campus. Both are juniors majoring in digital technology and culture.
Before returning to school, Lawry worked as a media clerk for the Vancouver School District. Lawry decided to return to school after the district made budget cuts and gave her a layoff notice. According to Lawry, she was unsure where to go next considering her work experience. “At that point, I was like, ‘what the hell am I going to do?’”
Lawry has multiple degrees, including an associates in behavioral science, a bachelor’s in sociology, a master’s in human development and a teaching certificate. After graduating from WSU Vancouver, she will have a second bachelor’s degree in digital technology and culture. “I’m a learner,” Lawry said, “the reality is, I keep going back to school because I like learning.”
Lawry explained that after attending a transfer night at WSU Vancouver, she learned it was “relatively easy” to earn a second bachelor’s degree. This solidified her decision to return to school, viewing it as an opportunity to “rebrand,” according to Lawry.
Lawry laughed when recalling her first college experience, saying it was extremely different and that, “it was a long time ago.”
“I actually learned how to type on one of those big black typewriters that you had to load paper in,” Lawry said. On her current academic journey, Lawry explained she has learned a lot from her kids and they occasionally help her with homework.
“I’m her tutor,” Lawry’s daughter, Hanrahan said. “She asks me for help on different projects and in exchange, I get crackers and hummus.”
According to Hanrahan, when she learned her mom would be a fellow student, she was surprised. “I was like, oh, God, I’m going to have my mom in all of my classes,” Hanrahan said.
The pair said that the first time they crossed paths on campus was awkward because Hanrahan was giving a group of students a tour of the campus as a student ambassador. Lawry explained, “I didn’t know whether to say ‘hi’ or pretend I didn’t know her.”
Hanrahan added that it is always fun when she introduces her mom to a group of classmates and friends. “They have to figure out if I’m a cool mom or not,” Lawry explained.
The two occasionally cross paths on campus and while they do not currently have any of the same classes, they are looking forward to having classes together for the first time in the 2020 spring semester.
Hanrahan said, “I’m excited to get a better grade than she does.”
“And she will,” added Lawry.
Krysten Stewart is a junior at WSU Vancouver pursuing an English degree.