What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
As an African American woman, I am acutely aware of the many systemic barriers that people of my culture can face. And being a single parent of two biracial male children, the scenario and the struggle seems to increase. I refused to let those barriers stop me because the goal of completing my education and raising successful young men was greater than any obstacle I could face. By earning my degree, I show my sons not only how to navigate those barriers, but that eliminating some of them is possible. Being a role model and an excellent parent has been my greatest motivation in life.
Why did you choose Averett’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program?
As a single working mother, I have always found myself short on time and childcare. This interfered with my being able to work on my degree consistently. Programs like this help myself and other parents like me to get it done while still being able to be present and efficient at home.
Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students
Managing your time and prioritizing your work is the key to success! As a student in an accelerated degree program, waiting until the last minute to complete your assignments is an invitation to stress and failure. Printing out my weekly work as soon as the forum is available, has made researching for assignments and posting my discussions a breeze.
What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?
Lots and lots of prayer, and knowing that the finish line is just around the bend! It’s easy to get mentally burnt out, but when I think about the fact that I am almost done and all the opportunities that a degree will afford me I am somehow supercharged. Encouraging words from friends and family helps too. I’ll be the first of my parents 3 children to earn a college degree.
What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?
Averett University, Class of 2018