The Net, an online group for non-traditional students, sponsored a picnic last Friday to further strengthen the bonds already formed on its Desire 2 Learn Web site.
“It’s a way to initiate more activity among the members,” said Shalena Peterson, officer of The Net leadership council.
Nineteen adult students gathered into the multipurpose room on the second floor of the Center of Physical Activity to meet and socialize.
“It’s also a great way to put a face to the names you see on the Internet,” said Peterson.
Children enjoyed games and face painting, while parents and other students got to know each other over grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade side dishes and desserts.
The group emphasizes that they are not solely an online organization.
This event allowed members to make introductions and share their unique journeys back to college.
One such journey was that of Laurel Karp from Boston, Mass. At a local Business and Professional Women’s meeting,
Karp approached guest speaker Carla Warner, director of Adult Commuter and Transfer Services, about returning to school.
“I always wanted a degree,” said Karp, who graduated high school about 40 years earlier. “But I had a problem because my high school had burned down, and I couldn’t find my diploma.”
Karp set up an appointment to discuss applying to college with Warner, during which Warner found the number to request the lost diploma – and then made the call herself.
“If she feels that I was worth that extra effort, I thought, just maybe I could do this,” said Karp.
Karp started her first college semester in spring 1995 and graduated magna cum laude with a double major in psychology and sociology in the winter of 1998.
Karp, the self-proclaimed professional student, continues to take a couple of classes each semester at ETSU. She tutors, volunteers, and stays involved with several student organizations, including The Net.
“I think The Net is a tremendous asset,” said Karp. “Just having someone experienced, who has gone through the same type of nervousness, and sometimes even the same courses, and they can let you know that you can do it.”
The Net continues to reach out to its members both online and through on-campus events.

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