Current occupation:
Head Roaster at Rising Star Coffee
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
This is my second time attending college. The first time, I was fresh out of high school, eager to study theatre and become an actor. That path didn’t pan out for various reasons, and I eventually dropped out when I realized acting was no longer what I wanted to pursue. After leaving school, I worked in various jobs, got married, divorced, and faced several personal tragedies. During that time, I was a wreck.
Things began to turn around when I started therapy. I left my failing marriage, found a job at a third-wave coffee company, and worked my way up to head roaster, a role I’ve held for several years. I also learned how to make friends and, most importantly, how to treat myself with the kindness I never received growing up or during the difficult years that followed my first experience with college. Despite all the positive changes, though, I started feeling unfulfilled.
In one particular therapy session, my therapist told me he thought I’d make an excellent clinical mental health counselor. He mentioned how empathetic and intelligent I am, qualities he said are important for a therapist. Intrigued, I researched the profession and found myself captivated. I’ve always felt deeply connected to others and believed I could help people, and I’ve long been fascinated by the human brain.
After much thought, consideration, and the wisdom I’ve gained over the years, I decided to take the plunge and return to college to finish my degree, to become a counselor.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
My best friend is an instructor at Tiffin and has told me numerous times how wonderful the psychology program is at the university. That, as well as the program being completely online, made it a no-brainer for me to apply here.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
My experience so far has been great! I remember taking an online class back when I attempted college the first time and found the process difficult to navigate, as well as communication with the instructors and students impossible. The online program at Tiffin was the complete opposite; I found the tech very easy to navigate and the classes much more engaging than what I was used to!
They’ve been great! I love reading my peers’ responses to assignments and engaging in meaningful dialogue with them. My instructors have also been wonderful—engaging and fun, yet unafraid to offer constructive criticism when needed. They’re committed to helping us grow by holding us to high standards while making learning enjoyable.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
I’d be lying if I said it was easy! I stick to a set routine and establish boundaries to avoid burnout, making sure to give myself a couple of days each week to relax. My best advice is to communicate with your instructor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Having a schedule for both your coursework and other aspects of your life helps a lot too. And don’t forget to add in some exercise! It’s easy to feel run down when you spend most of your week sitting and doing schoolwork. Staying active, even in small ways, has helped me manage stress and feel physically well, which makes it easier to focus on school throughout the week.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
My desire to help others is my biggest motivator! As I learn more about psychology, I feel increasingly connected not only to others but also to myself. The further I progress in this BA Psychology program, the more certain I am that this is the right path for me. I believe I have so much to offer in this field, and I’m passionate about it. Quitting now would feel like a disservice to both myself and the people I could help!
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
I’d tell them it’s never too late to start again! If you’re passionate about something and just thinking about it fills you with joy, then you should absolutely pursue it. I’d also say that taking things slow if you need to is totally okay—progress is progress, no matter the pace. If you’re committing to school again, make sure it’s something you truly want to do. So many people work jobs they hate, feeling like there’s no way out. But that’s not true! The biggest accomplishment is putting time and effort into something you’re passionate about.
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?
Dropping out of college the first time was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. However, I believe it was a necessary step to get me to where I am at right now. I had originally planned to pursue acting, but when I realized it wasn’t what I truly wanted, I made the difficult decision to leave. At the time, I had no backup plan and wasn’t sure where that choice would lead me, but I knew staying in a field that no longer brought me joy wasn’t an option. The risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I went through tough times, but I also grew immensely. I gained valuable life experience, learned how to navigate challenging circumstances, and eventually found my true passion for mental health counseling. Dropping out felt like a failure at the time, but in hindsight, it was the turning point that led me to where I was meant to be.