Going back to college after 20+ years isn't easy but it can be done. I did this. I initially went to college back in the mid 90's. I was not the greatest student back then and did not have the greatest focus. I too was 9 months pregnant my last year and gave birth on the very day I was to take my last final exam. Mind you the exam didn't happen that spring day, but I got the greatest gift I could have every received (my son). Fast forward to Spring 2022. It had eaten away at me for years that I never got my degree in Communications, and I always told myself and my son I wanted to, so I found the courage and took those steps. "Your Future is Here".. this is the commercial that started me on my SNHU path. I called the 8xx # on the TV, spoke an AMAZING SNHU academic advisor named Ashlee, got in touch with the college I attended in the 90's to get my old transcript and I was on my way. Ashlee went above and beyond to make my fears, doubts and nervousness subside from day one. She was so informative and my biggest confidant and cheerleader. She called me religiously to make sure I understood the requirements for how to approach on line learning since this was my first time doing this, the requirements for each class, she made sure I had the correct/ necessary equipment, class structure, how to get in touch with teachers, getting my books, using the library, how to handle payments for each class/term, etc. She did this for 2 yrs straight like clockwork. She would even call weekly just to touch base to check on me to see how I was doing/ how the classes were going ('just a quick call' as she would say). It was a VERY LONGGGGGG, tough journey to get thru 2 years, but I knew I made that commitment to myself and my son that I would do this. In November 2024, I PROUDLY walked across that graduation stage, Summa Cum Laude. I earned and got that degree and I can honestly say I would not have made it to graduation without Ashlee, my son, and family's unwavering support. One of my proudest accomplishments.

When everything fell apart, I learned that rebuilding begins with honesty admitting what wasn't working and giving myself permission to start again without shame. Navigating uncertainty forced me to slow down, seek wisdom, and trust God even when the outcome wasn't clear. What surprised me most was discovering strength I didn't know I had the resilience to keep going, learning, and growing even when progress felt invisible. I began rebuilding by focusing on structure, faith, and consistency, taking one intentional step at a time. On the other side, my life is no longer defined by survival, but by purpose grounded in clarity, confidence, and a commitment to helping others rise through what once held me back.