When Lisa Lachman told her three children she was going back to college, they though she was moving away.

"They thought I was going away and I would only come home on the weekends," she said.

Lachman (sophomore-human development and family studies) is one of about 1,600 students at University Park classified as an "adult learner."

According to the Center for Adult Learner Services Web site, an adult learner is any undergraduate student who is at least 24 years old, a veteran of the armed services, has been out of school for more than four years, or assumes other roles, such as a parent or spouse.

Charlene Harrison, director of the Center for Adult Learner Services, said most adult learners range in age from their late 20s to early 50s and provide a sense of diversity to the college experience. "A large number of traditional age students are single and primarily depend on their parents," she said. "Adult learners can offer them a different perspective because they have had more experiences, such as getting married or having children."

Many adult learners are more focused on academics because they are paying for their own tuition, Harrison added.

"Most adults are focused on getting the most for their own dime," she said.

Karen Hagemeier is in her first semester of college at Penn State. The 28-year-old international politics major moved to Happy Valley from Colorado in December because she wanted to experience a different atmosphere.

She said waiting to attend college has allowed her to become more focused. "At this stage in my life, I know exactly what I want to do," she said. "I want to work in an embassy after graduation."

Hagemeier said she is also getting involved with organizations on campus, such as the Yoga and Meditation Society and the Swing Dancing Club, to make her transition into college life a little easier.

Lachman said she decided to return to college after 13 years because her youngest child recently entered kindergarten, allowing her more free time during the day. Her children are an influence in her work, she added.

"They like to do things like listen to my presentations for classes and give their opinions and input," she said.

Although many adult students look different than the typical Penn State undergraduate student, Harrison said most have no problem fitting in with younger students. "Many adult learners fit in with younger students because of their outgoing personalities," she said.

Danielle Sagan (sophomore-human development and family studies) said she decided to re-enroll in college after losing her job.

"My dad encouraged me to go back to school after I lost my job as a receptionist in the York Hospital at the end of November," she said.

Sagan is the treasurer of Adult Learners of Penn State and said the club holds events such as potluck dinners to encourage the formation of friendships between adult learners.

"We try to do things that will get all adult learners involved," she said. "Many of us have become friends outside of class because we met through the club."