Merle Strauss

Student

“Being a ‘Baby Boomer’ and having raised my children, I think the perspective I bring to class is both relevant and enriching. The younger students and I all learn from each other.”

“When adults are in a classroom and younger students are hearing their opinions, I think they benefit from listening to experienced people who aren’t their mom and dad,” says Merle Strauss, dancer, mom, and future psychologist. “I’m coming back to school with a real sense of wonder, at my tender age. It’s incredible to discover the ethnic, linguistic, and geographical diversity of our students,” she says. “I had a few anxieties about how I’d feel at SMC. But as soon as I jumped in, they all disappeared. And I’m actually feeling younger myself.”

Merle’s rejuvenation through learning is something she feels will become increasingly important as our society ages. “I’m taking psychology and modern dance—which I see as strongly related—because I’ve always been interested in creative self-expression. I’m looking for ways that I can use these skills to help my generation maintain a satisfying and productive lifestyle as we age. We need older dancers,” she adds, “because they become role models who demonstrate that the creative aspects of life don’t end when we’re 30.”

Merle credits Professor Meri Bender with “giving me the confidence and skill to go for it, in modern dance, at this point in my life.” She adds that her husband and children have seen great changes in her. “They see me now as joyous and stimulated. And it makes me feel proud of our educational system that, at this point in my life, I can be going to such a great college.”

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