Mom and Daughter Embark on Nashville State Journey Together

Rowena and Ella Aldridge are an energetic and enthusiastic mother–daughter duo who share more than just their family ties – they also share the title of college student at Nashville State.

The pair are enrolled at the college where Rowena, age 62, studies history. Ella -- age 20 and an academic year ahead – will complete her degree in social work this summer.

Entering Nashville State after graduating from high school, Ella found it a perfect place to continue her education. 

It was on an early tour together of Nashville State’s North Davidson campus that the wheels began turning for Rowena that she too might like to attend.

“It was so welcoming and warm and supportive,” Rowena said.

“During Ella’s first semester, at one point, I talked about how much I wanted to do that (enroll),” Rowena said. Upon talking with her daughter about her dream, Ella said, “You can do it, Mom.”

As Ella dove into her freshman year, Rowena decided to enroll herself.

First, she would have to complete the requirements for her high school diploma, something she had not done in her youth. Studying and taking the required test, she earned the necessary prerequisites and joined Ella as a Nashville State Falcon.

Being together has been a special experience for the mother-daughter duo.

“The experience has been so good. We’ve each had a built-in study buddy,” Rowena said.

Though each is pursuing a separate area of study, the pair has been able to take one class each semester together.

Working together on a class project and sharing the time seated next to each other has been one of the best experiences for both.

To have “a classmate experience with my own daughter has been really cool,” Rowena said.

It is not just the academic experience that has been special for Rowena and Ella. With an eagerness, they jumped into all that Nashville State offers.

“There are a lot of resources beyond academics,” Ella said.

Echoing that sentiment, Rowena said, “If Nashville State’s got it, I’m going to use it. The experience has been so good.”

Between classes, new friends, and spending time with her mom, Ella said they have achieved “a good balance.”

“It’s been great. I’ve made a lot of friends and to be able to have this year with my mom.”

With Ella set to graduate and close out her time at Nashville State, Rowena struck a reflective tone when thinking about their time there together.

“I’m enjoying the process. It’s such a privilege.”