The Dream That Never Left Me
Pursuing a Dream Deferred: Why One HR Director Returned to Law School After 25 Years
Erika Diviney, Corporate HR Director
I have worked in Human Resources for nearly 25 years. Some days are certainly more challenging than others, but I truly love what I do-and I cannot picture myself doing anything else.
So when people who know me hear that I'm currently attending law school, they naturally ask, why? Why go back to school when I already have a career I love?
My first answer is usually lighthearted: I'm probably a little crazy. But the real answer runs much deeper.
I'm doing this because it has always been my dream.
As a little girl, I told my mom I would go to law school. I pictured myself as a big-time criminal defense attorney, living a glamorous life and following my own path. Life, however, had other plans. My journey pivoted in ways I never expected-I became a mostly single parent, worked full-time, and continued my education while raising my daughter.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Human Resources and built a career I'm incredibly proud of. Later, I pursued my MBA from the University of Michigan, which I completed in 2005. And still, that dream-the one I had as a little girl-never fully faded.
In 2023, I made the decision to start law school at Purdue Global. And once again, people asked, why now?
The answer is simple: I love to learn, and I love a challenge. More importantly, I knew I had unfinished business with a dream I never let go of. When I set my mind to something, it takes a powerful force to stop me-and even after all these years, that goal was still calling me forward.
The Power of the Path You Didn't Plan
Looking back, I wouldn't change my path for anything.
There were struggles-real moments where I doubted myself and questioned whether I would ever succeed. But those challenges shaped me. Without them, I wouldn't have the incredible daughter I'm so proud of, or the supportive and loving husband who stands beside me today.
Every hurdle I faced, I overcame-even if it wasn't always graceful. And through those experiences, I've grown into the professional I am today-one I've been told is inspiring to others.
In my work, I try to lead with perspective. I take things in stride, and if something affects me deeply, I pause and reflect. I ask myself what I can learn and how I can approach things differently next time.
I treat every member of the team as if they are the most important person in the organization-because they are. Without them, the company wouldn't succeed, and neither would I.
Never Stop Striving for More
Even though I love my career, I've never believed in standing still.
Too often, people become comfortable doing things the way they've always been done. The drive to grow, to improve, to challenge ourselves-it fades. I've always worked to keep that drive alive, not only for myself but to inspire it in others.
Earning my Juris Doctor isn't about starting over-it's about building on everything I've already accomplished. My plan is to continue in HR while practicing employment law, combining my experience with a new level of expertise to better support both employees and organizations.
Showing Up-Even on the Hard Days
I approach each day with one simple question: Where can I make a positive impact today?
Of course, not every day goes as planned. In HR, that unpredictability is part of what makes the work meaningful-no two days are ever the same. There are days when you feel pulled in a hundred directions, when the hours seem endless, and when the challenges feel overwhelming.
But then there are the moments that remind you why you do it.
The employee whose life you positively impacted. The problem you helped solve. The difference you made.
Those moments make it all worth it.
A Message to Anyone Who Needs It
I've been the single mom working full-time, going to school full-time, and trying to hold it all together-while quietly wondering if I was falling apart underneath.
And what I've learned is this: having the right support system-personally and professionally-makes all the difference. But just as important is your own strength to keep moving forward, even when it feels hard.
Not every day will be great. Not every day will feel like progress. And not every step will feel like it's moving you in the right direction.
But if you keep going-you will get there.
So take it from someone who has walked that path:
You've got this. And yes-you WILL get there too.
