Current occupation:
Inclusion and Accessibility Training Educator
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I received my associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees all as a non-traditional, adult student. When I finished my master’s degree, I was certain I did not want to go any further. However, life changes and my present career have allowed me to see the benefits of having a doctoral degree both personally and professionally. I appreciate learning about global leadership topics that apply to my current position and will help me grow professionally in new endeavors.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
When I was researching programs, I wanted a program that was virtual, but also had in-person opportunities to connect with other students and staff. I also wanted a degree with a leadership focus. My first impression was with an advisor who answered all my questions and made me feel like I would be supported throughout my time with the program. Given all these factors, I made the decision to apply to Tiffin University’s PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
My experience so far has been just as I expected. I have taken classes virtually in the past so there have not been many surprises – except maybe that my classmates are so impressive! The professors in the program are always available to answer questions and I have even mastered the art of the online textbooks! There is a balance of working through things on my own and having support from my advisor, financial aid, and my professors to help make sure I am doing things the right way.
I’m not a shy person. If I am unsure about something or have questions, I don’t hesitate to reach out. I see the faculty and my classmates as resources and the group projects early on helped break the ice for meeting other people in my cohort. I am only in my second semester but have gotten close with a few of my classmates. I anticipate that through in-person meetings like the residencies, and more group projects I’ll grow closer to more people in my cohort.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
I am a planner by nature, so I do my best to plan time for my family life, work duties, and schoolwork. I don’t like to have things on my “to do” list, so the beginning of each week always triggers my anxiety, but it eases away as the week progresses and I check things off the list. My advice for someone who is nervous about being able to handle it all would be to get organized and plan ahead. I sometimes travel for work, which means I have to work ahead some weeks. Talk about an anxiety boost! But if you know what you’re dealing with, looking ahead, and preparing, things will work out.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
I’m always up for a challenge, and that certainly is what this is. I want to set an example for my daughters especially. If I can do it working full time, supporting a family, and still showing up for my kids, then they know they can do it without the extra responsibilities. I tell them to take advantage of every opportunity and take nothing for granted. Another motivation is knowing that so many women, especially woman of color, do not get the opportunity to get an education. I do not take my privilege for granted and hope that I can be a positive representation in my community professionally working on behalf of underserved and marginalized individuals.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
A friend of mine recently asked my advice about going back to school and I told her DO IT! There is so much to gain from furthering one’s education. As adult professionals we have so much life experience, and to add knowledge about broader issues and ways to enhance our skills to be more effective in the work we do is worth it. My advice would be to find something you are genuinely interested in and go for it.
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?
Eleven years ago, I applied for my current position at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to work with the University of Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disabilities. I had just graduated with my master’s degree and was living in Florida. Accepting the job meant selling the house I built and moving back to (cold) Ohio and starting over after 15 years. I accepted the position, and it was the best decision I made. The growth I’ve made as a professional, as well as the networks I’ve created, and the projects I’ve been part of have been life changing.