Student Experience: Robert Barretto

Robert Barretto has been taking advantage of Dallas College’s Lifelong Learning (Emeritus) Program since 2005. The Navy veteran has seen the program evolve over the years and has taken close to 200 credit hours over the years.

“Based on my and other seniors’ beneficial experiences with participation in the program, we are motivated to have a lifelong focus of staying physically, mentally, socially and structurally engaged in the community college,” he said.

Barretto went on to say the Lifelong Learning (Emeritus) Program students develop strong bonds with other students, including the dual-credit high school students who may survey military veterans such as Barretto for class projects.

“Since (Dallas College) has a very diversified foreign population of students, Lifelong Learning (Emeritus) students are active volunteers in activities like conversation partners, supporters/audience of art and athletic events. We are able to act as role models for the younger students,” he said. “Seniors have also been involved in clubs such as the Richland Campus’ Jazz and Guitar ensembles, which entertain the college community with planned semester concerts.

“Over the past 20 years, there have been countless testimonials regarding all the benefits of being physically healthy, mentally fit, and socially and structurally engaged. The mission of a community college to serve the entire community has in fact benefited the entire community.”

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