By day, she’s wrangling classroom chaos, by night she’s hitting the books, and all year long she’s balancing her roles as a wife and mom. Born and raised (mostly) in Kansas, she ventured out to Virginia for a bit but always found her way back to the Sunflower State. Life took her on an early adventure into motherhood at 19, and it wasn’t until she turned 30 that she felt ready to take on the world of higher education.
Now, she’s just one credit shy of her senior year and already dreaming big about graduate studies, hopefully staying right here at Â鶹ĆĆ˝â°ć State University. In between teaching and family time, she’s diving into research with Dr. Pamela O’Neal through the McNair Scholar’s Program, focusing on the delicate balancing act of home-life for early education childcare providers—something she knows a little something about!
Looking to the future, she’s got her eye on studying Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how “generational” ACEs might be shifting in today’s world. It’s a meaningful path for her, blending her roles as an educator, parent, and student. With her sights set on graduate school and her passion for understanding the family dynamics of today, she’s living proof that it’s never too late to pick up where you left off, especially when you’ve got a love for learning and a heart full of curiosity.
What made you decide to get your bachelor’s degree as an adult learner?
I always aspired to find my way back to school after I had my son. Of course, everyone knows it can be challenging to make that conscious decision to chase a dream, but I think I had something of a fire lit beneath me following the events of the global pandemic in 2020. I don't want to say that it was the direct cause of my decision, but I think it was a good chance for a number of people to reassess their lives and consider the path they want to choose. For me that looked like finally taking the steps to get enrolled that I had started and stopped several times before.
What have you found to be an advantage of being an adult learner?
The biggest advantage I've seen to being an adult learner is more life experiences to base my judgements and responses off of. I think I have had theadvantage of pursuing many career positions in my time before coming to college that gave me different perspectives from different roles of life. I see theimportance of my higher education journey and I take it and the time necessary for it seriously.
What surprised you along your educational journey?
How much applying yourself can make or break your college journey and how much information and help you can find if you just ask.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Don't overthink the directions, they may make more sense when you start the assignment. Take your time when absorbing information. Ask for help when you don't understand. Always be willing to put in the effort. Don't be shy, your professors want to hear your questions. Take breaks when you need them, and lastly, don't give up.
How do you balance the myriad of responsibilities you have?
I ensure I check back often on my assignments and classes and give myself adequate time to address the needs of my courses, while making sure I offer myself time as well to relax and enjoy life away from responsibilities. I have a very consistent schedule for the majority of my time and find ways to disperse what free time remains after. I also ensure I don't over tax myself by allowing breaks throughout my homework and study time hours.
What do you plan to achieve with your degree?
My dream jobs would be working in a clinical group setting with children, conducting various studies, and instructing at a collegiate level.
Meet Scott!
After 16 years in nursing, Scott is wrapping up his RN-BSN program with his final course, eyeing a bright future in a graduate nursing program. Married to Claudia for seven years, Scott balances the joys (and occasional chaos) of family life with four kids aged 16, 8, 6, and 4.
A former Marine sergeant with a tour in Afghanistan under his belt, Scott has more than a few stories of resilience and dedication to share. And while nursing has his heart, travel has his spirit. He and Claudia find joy in exploring new cultures and sharing these experiences with their family.
“It's been a journey, from the Marine Corps to nursing to raising our four amazing kids. I wouldn’t change a thing.” This nurse, veteran, and world traveler is proof that life’s adventures only get better with time—grad school, here he comes!
What’s been the most unexpected challenge or benefit of online learning?
The largest benefit to an online learning environment, is that I can stay in my hometown and complete an education. I didn't have to move to Â鶹ĆĆ˝â°ć, meaning I didn't have to sell my house during the couple years it takes to complete a degree. At the same time, I have family in my hometown who have been a crucial support system managing a hectic family, work, and school schedule combined. Not to mention, I have been able to stay at my place of employment and not search for a new job in a new city while taking classes, then upon graduation, leaving Â鶹ĆĆ˝â°ć to return home and start over again.
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
Embrace the opportunity that online classes provide, but understand taking online classes may take more discipline to log on to a computer for the required timeframes. Traditionally, most classes are offered on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Friday format and you can develop a routine based on your class schedule. With online classes, it is more of a self-paced or self-driven learning style. You are given the learning material and assignments, but have to rely on yourself to utilize the material available to learn and complete the work. Despite not being face to face with any instructor or professor, they still want you to succeed. If you find you are struggling or need help, just ask. Everyone has some topic or situation they will struggle with, but knowing when you need clarification or assistance is crucial, and when you reach out and ask the instructors are there to help.
How do you balance work, family, and school?
It has taken trying many different options to find the best method that works for me. With a busy household finding a calendar or schedule that everyone in the house can look at to know what is going on week by week has been our success. Looking at the schedule for the week at hand has been what works best for us. Trying to plan too far ahead is hard to do with so many moving parts. I have found I am able to study and focus on school the best at night when everyone else in the house is winding down.
What's your go-to way to recharge after a long day balancing everything?
My family is my go-to. When I walk in the door from work, my little kids will shout my name and run to give me a hug when they see me and that is the best thing ever. Spending time with my wife and kids at the end of the day can fix everything.
How do you balance the myriad of responsibilities you have?
The truth is I am still pretty far from mastering this particular skill. That said, I have two primary strategies: the first is keeping an up-to-date calendar to keep track of classes and events (either a planner with a calendar or a smartphone app; Outlook calendar will work), and the second is a prioritized to-do list (mine has a separate section specifically for assignments due).
What do you plan to achieve with your degree?
Completing the RN-BSN program will open the doors to pursue an advanced degree afterward. My primary goal is to apply to an anesthesia program to become a CRNA, or my secondary plan is to apply for a nurse practitioner program.
Meet Steve!
After nearly a decade as a single father, Steve knows a thing or two about resilience and hard work. He juggles landscaping and delivery jobs, and lends his powerful vocals in a South Florida hard rock band that originally started as an outreach for homeless youth and street kids. But it’s his passion for helping those in need that truly drives him.
A devoted volunteer with a local homeless ministry, Steve’s dream is to launch a career that focuses on serving people who are struggling, especially those on the streets. "I don’t believe in profiting off others’ pain. I’ve been there, and I know what helps and what doesn’t," Steve shares. His perspective is grounded in experience, and his dedication to giving back is matched only by his commitment to his children, who have been a source of strength and purpose for him.
Steve wants his kids to see that any goal—no matter the circumstances, career and regardless of age or status—is within reach. "It’s never too late to go after what matters," he says, hoping his journey will inspire others. Whether rocking a stage or lending a hand, Steve is determined to show that life can always be turned around, one kind act at a time.
Why did you choose an online program?
It was so much easier and adjusts to my already busy schedule.
What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?
Most unexpected challenge? 100% Algebra! Benefits? I am able to advance myself in a career I desire. I have learned many new things and gained a sense of hope and of self-worth. I never thought I would be able to do this.
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
Don't wait! There is something you have wanted, something that makes you inspired, and it is right there inside you...go for it! There's only one thing that stands in your way, you.
How do you balance work, family, and school?
I don't, that's why I'm getting all these gray hairs! Everything is prioritized. Kids and having a home and food come first. I have to work 2 jobs as well as make sure kids are taken care of. Now that they are older, it makes it easier to take on more responsibility, such as school. That's why online is so great, because I do it wherever and whenever. Just keep track of deadlines and always, ALWAYS, read the syllabus! ( I learned that the hard way).
What's your go-to way to recharge after a long day balancing everything?
Kids and I do Legos! Our living room is like a giant sci-fi shop. We just enjoy that stuff. (The pros and cons of being a single dad, no one talks sense into me) I also write a little...just a little...
What do you plan to achieve with your degree?
I want to highlight things that the system does that fail homeless and drug addicts. Things homeless people need most, lockers!! They constantly have to fight to keep what little they have. I also believe I can make a huge difference as someone who once was homeless due to a legal system that criminalizes poverty and takes away people's only means to work over traffic citations. It makes no sense and I want to get to the heart of it and make some noise. Too many people needlessly struggle and are punished because they have no money to pay fines and astronomical court costs. Enough is enough.
Meet Mia!
At 21, Mia is embracing the best of both worlds: hands-on dental hygiene experience and academic growth, all while staying in her homestate of New Jersey. After graduating in May 2023 with an associate degree in dental hygiene, Mia took a year to work in clinical practice, gaining first hand knowledge and learning from experienced professionals. But her ambition didn’t stop there—she chose to pursue her bachelor’s degree. Our program was the perfect fit because it allows her to work while furthering her education. The format provided the great balance to grow her career without giving up flexibility.
Outside of work and studies, Mia has a knack for exploring. She loves hitting nature trails, experimenting in the kitchen, and traveling.
Why did you choose an online program?
I chose to complete an online program because of its flexibility and my desire to improve self-organization and responsibility. It also gives me the opportunity to connect and learn from others in different parts of the country.
What’s been the most unexpected challenge or benefit of online learning?
The most unexpected challenge so far has been trying to remain personable and connected with other students. It can be difficult to convey my personality through words only.
How do you stay connected with your classmates and instructors in a virtual environment?
In a virtual environment, I think discussion boards are a great tool to keep everyone involved and connected. I get to read multiple responses and point of views on a multitude of topics. I can also relay my ideas and feedback to them and ask questions. My instructors are fantastic at leaving personalized feedback and make sure to stay connected with their students through regular announcements. Their reassurance that they are always available to help us succeed also makes me feel comfortable in a online learning environment as well.
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
My best advice for prospective online students would be to stay organized and keep ahead of deadlines. Online education is just as demanding as in-person courses, and they will only benefit you if you put the effort in to stay engaged and motivated to absorb the information.
How do you balance the myriad of responsibilities you have?
I try to spread each course's work evenly throughout the week and designate certain times to personal time versus family time. Some classes have more work due one week while others are focused on readings. It varies throughout, so I try to review each week on the syllabus so I remain prepared. I try my best not to overload one day with more than one course's work. I typically use weekends to catch up on any small things I missed and prepare for thefollowing week.
Whar's your go-to way to recharge after a long day balancing everything?
My favorite recharge is going on night walks and coming back to do my skincare routine. It is super refreshing and helps me wind down without using any screentime.
What do you plan to achieve with your degree?
I plan to advance my knowledge in the dental hygiene field and search for career options that go beyond the clinical aspect.
Meet Ben!
Meet Ben, a lifelong resident of the Â鶹ĆĆ˝â°ć area, whose life has been reaching all-new altitudes! In February, he and his wife celebrated a major milestone by adopting their son, Ryker, after starting their foster parenting journey back in 2021. As if parenthood wasn’t exciting enough, Ben also serves as the President and CEO of the Kansas Aviation Museum, where he channels his passion for Kansas’s rich aviation history.
But there’s more to this year’s flight plan! At the start of 2024, Ben made a big decision to return to college and complete his degree. Juggling family, a busy museum schedule, and school is no small feat, but Ben’s enthusiasm is clear. “It’s never too late to go back and finish what you started,” he says.
And if you know Ben, you know he’s always game to root for the Chicago Cubs, cheering on his favorite team whenever he can. With family, studies, and career all taking flight, Ben’s 2024 is shaping up to be a grand slam year—both on the field and off!
Why did you choose an online program?
Two reason - my schedule is pretty crazy between work, church, city council and family, so having flexibility to do my work on my own time is great. I also didn’t want to pay for parking on campus :)
What’s been the most unexpected challenge or benefit of online learning?
I am much better at learning through listening, not reading. An in-person setting is better for me, so trying to figure out different professor settings in an online format is a challenge.
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
Make sure to create the time to do your work. It’s easy to put it off since there isn’t a set structure and time, but it will kick you in the teeth if you don’t carve out time to do your work.
How do you balance work, family, and school?
I calendar pretty consistently. It’s important for me to be at home and engaged in the evenings with my wife and son. I do have activities and events in evenings, but I try hard to make sure it’s balanced to be a part of my family’s lives, as well as ensure I’m doing my best academically.
What's your go-to way to recharge after a long day balancing everything?
I like to take walks. Sometimes by myself, sometimes with my son. I also enjoy playing the piano.
What do you plan to achieve with your degree?
Utilize the skills and networks that have developed from my time as a student to continue to grow as a person, leader and husband/parent.