Two years ago, siblings Ryan and Melissa Mattson began their journey at UC Berkeley as undergraduate history majors. At 36 and 40, they were twice the age of many classmates. Their path to higher education was unconventional, having spent their earlier years raising children and caring for an ill father.
Ryan’s academic journey started after a fall from a ladder while installing an air conditioner led him to take online classes during his recovery. Melissa joined him after being intrigued by his lectures. This decision sparked a sibling rivalry that resulted in straight As and acceptance into UC Berkeley.
As history majors, they attended most classes together. Ryan felt like he was among younger siblings, while Melissa likened her experience to spending time with her own children. They found support through faculty bonds and the student parents group.
Melissa expressed gratitude for the supportive community at Berkeley, stating, “Berkeley didn’t just equip me with a degree; it gave me a voice.” She hopes her story inspires others to pursue academic dreams regardless of age.
Both siblings plan to take a gap year before applying for a Ph.D. program in history. Melissa’s thesis focused on the 1968 student uprising in Mexico, while Ryan explored baseball’s role between the U.S. and Cuba during geopolitical tensions.
Understanding history is crucial now, they believe. Melissa said, “Studying history made me literate on what is happening.” Ryan added that learning from the past can sometimes lead people to recreate it.
Ryan also teaches auto repair at Contra Costa College and encourages students to pursue higher education. Their dream graduate school remains UC Berkeley.
