The alarm clock sounds at 6 a.m.

Jamell Barber awakens, but unlike most students at Eastern, he has more than himself to think about.

After climbing out of bed, Barber wakes his sons, Giovanni, 5, Chaice, 3. It is just enough time for the single father and his sons to shower, dress, eat breakfast and walk to the bus stop.

After getting his children safely on the bus, Barber begins his busy day as a full-time student.

Barber, 33, junior psychology major, is among a growing number of non-traditional students attending the university that includes those who are married, those who are in their late 20’s and those for whom English is their second language.

Nancy Crone, said that it is no easy task to return to college or start fresh. Crone is a student adviser for OASIS (Organization of Adult Students, Informative and Supportive).

“Having time to get homework done; to make that sacrifice, you give up time with family,” said Crone. “Although it’s a difficult decision to make, in the long run, it’s beneficial.”

For Barber, being a non-traditional student is not without its challenges. Having no vehicle, Barber must depend on public transportation and friends to get him to distant places.

With Giovanni just starting kindergarten and Chaise always on the go, Barber said it gets hard to get his school work finished. Nevertheless, Barber remains encouraged simply by the opportunity to get a second chance.

Growing up in Evanston, a suburb directly north of Chicago, Barber was raised by his mother. She was a single parent, and he learned by watching her when he was younger.

Barber said he learned how to cook and take care of a home. Everything that he learned from As Barber got older, he soon learned a different set of skills. Barber said he spent much of his young adult years selling drugs.

“I used to be in the streets,” said Barber. “I was in love with money.”

After receiving two felonies on drug-related charges, Barber decided to turn his life around.

“I didn’t have anything to offer my employer,” he said. “I decided to go to school and better myself.”

Despite his brushes with the law, which he said are now behind him, Barber is optimistic. With a new focus as a father and student, Barber said he is determined to succeed, even if that means letting go of past relationships.

“When you decide to change your life, you have to change your friends,” said Barber.

For Penny Kleiboeker, health studies major, one of the challenges is dealing with the generation gap, which she said is apparent in the casual apparel of students-sagging pants and sweats suits, for example.

When she first went to college, a nice blouse and blue jeans were the appropriate dress for class. Also, what she refers to as rude language of some of the younger students in the presence of their professors bothers Kleiboeker.

Still, she said one of the advantages is the years of experience and wisdom she has gained.

“I’ve been there and done that,” said Kleiboeker.

Indeed, while both students work hard all week, Barber sets aside time on the weekends to spend with his sons.

Friday is movie night and on a recent

Sunday, he and his sons played on the lawn kicking a soccer ball while the scent of baked chicken flowed from his apartment window.

He cooks for his sons most nights and after he gets them in bed and they have fallen asleep, he takes out his books and begins studying. This is all a part of being a single dad and he has no regrets, Barber said.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” said Barber.

Crystal Alston can be reached at 581-7942 or at cralston@eiu.du.