Hundreds of students will be graduating from the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC) on August 15, but most are in their 20s, during the “decade of decisions.” A few, like Rebecca Klundt, are graduating at a different period of their lives. Klundt is 46 years old and a mother of five children.
Klundt will be graduating with a BFA in Visual Arts, with an emphasis in painting. She started at BYU as a freshman in 1986, but it wasn’t until her junior year that she gave in to her passion for art and started the visual arts program. By her senior year she and her husband Kevin had their first baby. Kevin was accepted to graduate school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and Klundt ended up taking a 20-year break from school.
“When my youngest child turned 13, I figured it was time for me to go back to school.” Klundt said. “I thought I would just finish up online, but after taking a history of modern art class I knew I really wanted to get back into the classroom and make the most of the opportunity. It wasn’t so much about graduating as it was about seeing what I was capable of.”
Since 2010, Klundt has loved her time at BYU, and commented on the enjoyment she found in attending school at this point in her life.
“I think the reason it’s so fun at my age is because I’m used to being the one responsible for running things and it is so fun to get to sit and be the learner and let someone else teach me,” Klundt said. “It doesn’t even matter so much what the subject is. I loved Dr. Christensen’s stats class even though it didn’t relate to art. It was just so good to stretch my brain.”
Klundt hopes now to continue working on the things she has gotten from her education and find a good local gallery to work with. Since hindsight is 20-20, she also gave advice to young people attending college.
“It’s hard to appreciate what you have when you have it,” Klundt said. “I was so blessed to have the support of my family, who helped me to finish, but I did spend many years wishing I had finished my degree when I was younger.”
Klundt mentioned how working with younger students and faculty provided an environment in which she could thrive.
“I have been so impressed with the goodness of the students and the tireless efforts of the faculty to provide students with opportunities in and out of the classroom,” Klundt said. “This is a great place to get a great education.”
The CFAC provides opportunities for people of all ages to succeed in achieving their goals. Night classes are available, giving hope to those who may want to return to college after life gets busy with family and other obligations.
To see the convocation schedule, click here.