61-year-old BGSU student continues pursuit of lifelong learning

John Rybarczyk enrolled at BGSU to learn how to better serve the students at Shoreland Elementary School

By Branden Ferguson

At 61, John Rybarczyk stands out among his peers at Bowling Green State University. While he may be older than many of his classmates, he brings years of experience and a passion for lifelong learning into the classroom.

Born in 1964, Rybarczyk served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, married his wife Lauri, had three children: Matthew, Benjamin and Julia and accumulated decades of experience working as an assistant manager, an overnight on-air radio personality on Toledo's 103.7 FM and currently is a paraprofessional at Shoreland Elementary School in Toledo.

"I'm a big believer in lifelong learning," said Rybarczyk. "I've always been open to learning and evolving as a person. I try to learn something new daily, whether big or small. I am always trying to better myself, and BGSU is the best way to do that."

As a classroom aide, Rybarczyk works with all types of students, including those with autism, emotional, developmental and learning difficulties. Interested in learning to work more effectively with his students, he turned his attention to BGSU.

With a son at BGSU and a daughter applying, Rybarczyk said his kids encouraged him to apply.

"I kept telling them that BGSU would never take me," Rybarczyk said. "I was over 50, only had a GED and hadn't been in a classroom as a student in more than 35 years."

With support from his family and years of experience, he received his acceptance letter and began his journey toward lifelong learning, pursuing a degree in human development and family science (HDFS).

"I remember watching a training video at McDonald's when I was 15 and hearing Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's, say, 'When you're green, you're growing; when you're ripe, you rot,'" Rybarczyk said. "That has always stuck with me, and I always want to be growing and learning something new."

While Rybarczyk admits he was worried about keeping up with students less than half his age and attending school while working full-time, he said nothing would be worse than not doing it and having doubts. 

"My fears quickly disappeared with the support of the HDFS professors and my classmates," Rybarczyk said. "They have made me feel welcome in the program and made me feel like part of every class."

Mistaken for the professor on his first day in class, Rybarczyk found humor in the situation and has since fully embraced his life experiences that allow him to see things differently than his classmates.

"There is something to be said when students have a decade or more of life experience that they can bring into the classroom," said Andrew Wyant '08, '12, adjunct professor of human development and family science. "The amount of experience they have helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world."

Described as a "serious student with a fun attitude toward learning," Rybarczyk serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant, often mentoring other students, encouraging them to participate, discuss and take on leadership roles. 

"John is a caring and compassionate individual who believes 'a strong tide lifts all boats,'" said Wyant. "He has strong leadership skills, but more importantly, he leads by example."

Wyant said he believes education is a lifelong process and finds great pride when students continue their journey through school.

"Education is a journey, not a destination," said Wyant. "I believe BGSU gives each student the opportunity to be the best version of themselves no matter the age, sex, color or creed of the individual. Being part of an institution that supports all students and values lifelong learning makes me proud to be a Falcon."

In addition to guidance and support from HDFS faculty and staff, Rybarczyk credits his success with support from everyone from his employer, family and colleagues.

"While HDFS was making me feel welcome in the classroom and working with me on assignments, the staff at Shoreland was helping me with projects and proofreading," Rybarczyk said. "They offered advice on my papers, worked with me as I juggled work and classwork and supported me during my journey toward lifelong learning.

"I couldn't have done this without support from everyone, including my family," he said. "My family is my biggest supporter, always checking on me and pushing me."

Rybarczyk was also able to utilize the Nontraditional and Military Student Services office and its staff, who helped him acclimate to college after decades away from the classroom. Ranked as the No. 1 university in the Midwest for veterans and active military students, according to Military Times, the staff provides students with a support network while actively working with them academically.

Rybarczyk will graduate in Fall 2025 with his bachelor's degree. He hopes his accomplishment makes his family proud and serves as an inspiration to other people to know that it's never too late to go to school and better themselves.

"I was joking with my mom, wife and son that this would be my first real diploma since I never graduated high school," he said. "I have been given an opportunity to be part of something that will last a lifetime, and I am soaking up as much of it as possible.

"While I will miss it when it's over, it is an incredible feeling to know that I am a part of an amazing institution and alumni base," he said. "Everything it stands for is special, and I am glad I get to be called a Falcon."