Perennial Student

Every Friday, I attend two non-credit classes at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). 

What a joy it is. As I walk to class, I am instantly transported to my college days, 50 years ago. I see beautiful trees of all kinds, including towering Redwoods and ornamental fruit trees in bloom. I smell the spring-green grass and hear the whir of bicycles passing by. Students of all colors walk briskly from place to place. The spacious campus is charged with the energy of youth, optimism and the hunger for knowledge. 

I feel like “one of the gang,” which I know makes me delusional. I am not 21, nor do I walk quite as fast as the undergraduates. I trip slightly on a step, and a lovely young woman from India stops and asks me if I need help. She sees my CSUS Renaissance Society name tag and says, “My name is Ruth too!” I thank her profusely, and my faith in “kids today” is bolstered.

The first week I arrive at my 10 o’clock class a few minutes late. The session is well underway, so I ask the instructor if she is willing to repeat the opening question. She replies flatly, “No.” 

The second week, I arrive exactly on time, and the class has already begun, which annoys me a bit. After class, I cross paths with the teacher in the restroom. She says emphatically, “9:30! 9:30!” I think to myself, “She’s suggesting I aim for 9:30 so I will arrive at my 10 o’clock class a bit early.” T

he third week, I arrive at 9:55 and the session has already started, which annoys me even more. Not only does she start class early, but she dismisses class after one hour, when the catalog listed the class at 1.5 hours. 

As the time progresses, a glimmer of an idea gradually comes into focus in my 70 year old brain. Perhaps the class starts at 9:30. When class is over, I ask a fellow student, who confirms this. Chagrined, I apologize to my teacher for arriving a half hour late to class three weeks in a row. A kind person, she replies, “My job is not to embarrass anyone.” Needless to say, I was on time last Friday. 

After class, I head for the Student Union for lunch. I buy a sandwich and visit with new friends.  I’m a college kid too! (Yeah, I’m still delusional). Then my classmate and I head for our 12:30 class about classical music. The class is so popular that we must arrive by 12:15 to get a seat at a table. 

After that, students will have to grab a chair from another room and sit along the walls. The energy of these senior students is palpable. The room is abuzz with lively conversations and some folks are eating their lunch. We are like elementary school kids looking forward to the fun and challenge of learning from our very favorite teachers. 

The class is outstanding. Our two instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and their enthusiasm is infectious. Currently we are learning all about J.S. Bach and his monumental influence on all the Western music that followed. Nearly every week we are treated to a live performance by fabulous student and faculty musicians, who tell us what to listen for to maximize our enjoyment. 

After the two hour class, I walk across the campus to my car, having had a terrific day. For me, this is the very best of college education. As a 70 year old, I enjoy all the benefits without the studying, reading, tests, and general angst of young adulthood. What a gift this is to me and so many others. May the CSUS Renaissance Society continue to thrive, a boon to lifelong learners.

~ Ruth Rezos