Current occupation:
Forensic Coordinator
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I have been working in the field of mental health for over twenty years. The field is always changing, and you have to change with it. I am in a good place in my career, but I know there is more in store for me. I’ve been talking about doing a doctorate program for years. For years, I kept telling myself that when my kids were done with school, I would go back. My youngest is getting ready to graduate in a couple of months. I am entering the next chapter in my life as an empty nester. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
Tiffin University will always be home to me. I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2002. I finished my master’s degree in 2010. I am now working on my Doctor of Criminal Justice. No matter how much the campus changes and grows, it welcomes me with open arms every time I step on campus. It becomes the family you never knew you wanted or needed.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
Having been so far removed from any academic setting, I was so scared. I questioned my decision so many times. I felt defeated by what home/work/school was throwing at me. As the weeks progressed, I started getting my confidence back. It started showing in my work. I am really proud of myself.
The last time I was in school, we still attended in-person classes. Being fully online was difficult for me at first. I wasn’t used to faculty and peers being bubbles on a screen. Attending my first residency weekend was a game-changer. I got to put faces to bubbles and make real connections. The experience reassured me that I’m in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
I honestly don’t know how I juggle it all, all the time. I work full-time, caregiver to my husband, and have 3 teenagers still at home. It’s not constant chaos but it’s not a cakewalk either. I love schedules. I love structure. I am also realistic that if things are running smoothly- there’s probably something getting ready to throw a wrench into it all. I would tell someone else- You have to find your groove. Take that step back for yourself when you need to- from whatever it is.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
Almost two years ago, my husband was in a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. He suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left him paraplegic. I have watched him fight through good and bad days to adapt to a new life. I tell him all the time how proud of him I am. Staying in this program – COMPLETING this program – I want him to be just as proud of me.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Life is short. Get that degree!
TU’s motto is: Without risk there is no gain. Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you gained from it?
It’s not so much a risk/gain story, but it reminds me of why I do what I do. After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Columbus, Ohio. I started working at the state psychiatric hospital as a direct care worker. It was the full-fledged, live-action DSM. Seeing people at their very worst, day in and day out for years, can take its toll on you. It’s easy to become jaded when faces become familiar from repetitive admissions. I had about 10+ years of employment under my belt. I was at the local convention center with my daughters for their dance competition. I went to the bathroom. I noticed a service worker wiping down sinks as I washed my hands. She was one of my old familiar face patients. To avoid any awkwardness, I finished washing my hands and hurried back to the dance team. She ran out after me, yelling “Miss April.” She gave me a big hug. She updated me that she had been working for a couple of months at the time, working on seeing her kids, and she wanted to tell me “Thank you” because she never forgot how I treated her while I was in the hospital. I’ll never forget her, and I will never forget that moment. Working in mental health is a risk. I gained hope. I don’t get to see success stories often. They’re out there.