3 generations of the same family start college together

This fall marks a new chapter for the hundreds of students walking onto a small Midwest college campus, but it's an especially memorable time for one family celebrating three generations starting the new school year together.

Samantha Malczewski, 19, told "Good Morning America" that when she learned her mom and her grandmother would be joining her and her younger sister Mia Carter, 18, at Carthage College this fall, the news came as a big surprise.

"I was clearly already admitted, [Mia] was admitted. And then all of a sudden, they were like, 'Oh, we're going too,'" the sophomore nursing student recalled. "It was really surprising. I didn't expect it."

Carter said she had an inkling their mom Amy Malczewski and grandmother Christy Schwan were interested in going back to school.

"My grandma's mom just passed away and I think my mom had a realization that your mom's not always gonna be there … and I think it's just the fact of them literally going to the same classroom every day, probably working on projects and just gaining another aspect of spending time with her, like that good quality time [was a factor]," the freshman accounting and marketing student told "GMA."

Amy Malczewski has a deep connection to Carthage College, having worked at the Kenosha, Wisconsin-based school for the last 22 years as a spirit team director, graphic design instructor and career specialist for students interested in art, communication and culture. The mom of five said she "always" knew she wanted to enroll as a student herself though.

"I have a little time now. I'm like, you know what, I should get that graduate degree I've always wanted. And Carthage has this amazing program, this master's in business and design and innovation, which is really in line with all the things that I love," said Amy Malczewski, who calls herself "Carthage's biggest fan."

Meanwhile, when Schwan heard of her daughter's plan, she quickly realized they could embark on the journey together. The 71-year-old had retired three years ago after working in employee benefits consulting but is still volunteering for local nonprofits and said she was drawn to learning more about change management.

"[Amy] said, 'I'm thinking about doing this.' And I said, 'I really think you should.' And she said, 'Well, I think you ought to consider it too.' And I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh, I think you're right, we should do this together,'" Schwan recounted, adding that she was also inspired by her son, Joshua, who is pursuing his second master's degree. "It's helped fill an empty space for me since my mom's gone."

Amy Malczewski and Schwan are now classmates, pursuing master's degrees in business, design and innovation. Both nontraditional students say they encourage their peers to go for it if they're also considering going back to school.

"My advice to anybody is just, life is so short and if there's something that you're interested in, and maybe you're doubting yourself a little bit, put that doubt aside and just go for it," Amy Malczewski said. "Especially if you have somebody that can do it with you, I think it makes it even sweeter, right? Having these experiences with my mom is going to be something I'm going to remember for the rest of my life. Seeing my daughters on campus? You know, I love it."

Added Schwan, "Never hesitate to follow your fear. In my life, it's led me to my greatest opportunities and it's also built my greatest strengths. If I always stayed in my comfort zone, I wouldn't be where I am today. … And I think older students bring a lot to the table and I think age isn't a factor -- we can all continue to learn."

As the four settle into classes and busy schedules, Carter, who is also dorm roommates with her sister, said they're looking forward to seeing each other on campus.

"We can walk them to class, have this little study group, or get dinner together in the cafeteria," Carter said. "It's kind of just like, a nice slice of home brought to campus, which I love."

In a statement, Carthage College applauded the family and their educational goals. "Spanning three generations, this family reminds us of the power of lifelong learning," the school told "GMA."

"It's been inspiring to see Amy, Christy, Sam and Mia dive into some of Carthage's strongest programs in business and nursing and each find immense value -- even at vastly different stages in their lives and careers. They epitomize our Firebird spirit!"