Current occupation:
Student in the Tiffin University and American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS) partnership program
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I have known I wanted to pursue my master’s degree since I understood what higher education was. My mother has been a professor and accountant all of my life, earning her bachelor’s degree in Accounting, her master’s degree in Taxation, and her Doctorate in Public Administration so education has been a pillar in my life as long as I can remember. She would tell my brother and I, “I don’t care what you study or where you go, but you have to go.” The hardest part about deciding to pursue my degree was trying to figure out what exactly I wanted to do.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I chose to study at Tiffin University because of their partnership with the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland. I knew I wanted to leave the U.S. but was stuck on whether to earn my Master’s in International Business Administration or Sports Management. The partnership with AUS offered me the opportunity to do both, so it was an easy decision.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
My experience with the program so far has been really smooth and easy. At first, I had a bit of difficulty trying to figure out Moodle as I had never used it before, but once I did it was smooth sailing.
My interactions with faculty have been extremely positive. Everyone has been extremely helpful and friendly! I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Bonnie Tiell in Paris at the Olympics last year and she is absolutely amazing. We have kept in contact and I thoroughly enjoy speaking with her.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
I am big on boundaries and time management. I played Division I softball at Norfolk State University so managing my time was a non-negotiable. I have taken my experience from the four (stressful and exhausting, but fun) years of being a student-athlete and applied them to my life today. I think the best advice I can give is to make lists, prioritize, and take care of yourself. I set boundaries with myself because I know that getting enough sleep, eating, and staying hydrated are the best ways to stay focused and healthy. I would also say find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Consistency and routines are key.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
Being successful and having fun in my career keeps me motivated. I chose degrees that will allow me to pivot and do whatever I want, wherever I want. My goal in life is to have fun and since we spend the majority of our lives working, I want to make sure I’m setting myself up for a life that is full, both in work and outside of it.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
I would say go for it, especially if it’s scary. I was terrified about moving 5,000 miles away from home. Even as the plane took off, I was unsure. But life is way too short to hold yourself back out of fear or self-doubt. Whenever I hear people say they’re scared I say, “Do it anyway.” Fear is a temporary emotion and it is meant to be overcome. Education is power and unfortunately a privilege nowadays so if you have the opportunity to get one, absolutely do it. No matter how scary it is.
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?
I took a huge risk moving to Switzerland (a country I’d never been to) by myself last year. I didn’t know the language, the area that I would be living, anybody attending the school I was set to go to, or what my future held. I have since gained endless knowledge, lifelong friends, invaluable experiences, and more. This has been the best time of my life and I am so proud of myself for taking that risk, even though it was a horrifying thought only a year ago. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.