Conn family tradition with campus

By RENEE VARBLE
News Reporter

Mary Frances Conn is a fourth semester student in the HCC nursing program. She has had a connection with the community college campus since she was a little girl.

Mary was fortunate enough to be able to attend the ground breaking of the administration building.

Her picture, along with her sister and grandfather, was in the Evansville newspaper back in the late 1950s.

When the ground breaking of the HFAC took place, the Henderson newspaper interviewed Mary again. The article included a picture of her and her two children, Zachary and Erica.

Mary is not only excited about completing her final semester at the college, but she is lucky enough to attend HCC while her children do the same.

Zachary and Erica are taking a few classes this semester to begin their college experience.

Zachary and Erica have been home schooled since pre-school.
“It is different having more than two students in the classroom,” Erica said.

Erica and Zachary’s transition from home schooling to the college atmosphere has been positive.

“Home schooling made me a better person. I believe I would have been influenced by others as well as the material being taught,” according to Zachary.

Zachary and Erica believe home schooling benefited them by having a one-on-one connection with the teacher.

Erica is shy yet really enjoys having the opportunity to work in groups even though she was scared at first.

Erica believes she would not have fit into the public school atmosphere very well since she is shy.

Mary and Zachary both agree Erica is a “rose bud still blooming” into a wonderful young lady. She may be shy, but college seems to help her open up.

Erica has always “paced” herself during home schooling while taking tests and other activities.

However, Erica had to explain to her sign language teacher that she was not cheating when she glanced towards her brother during a recent test.
The college experience is definitely different for this brother and sister.
“If you want to do something, then you will be successful,” Mary said.
Mary is excited about graduating in May and looks forward to her children beginning the University of Evansville in the fall.

The Conn family also understands how important education is to their future.