Current occupation:
Academic Advisor
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I completed my Associate’s degree in 2018 at Northwest State Community College, then decided to pursue my bachelor’s, which I completed in 2021. I got married and had two kids, but I’ve always wanted to go back to get my master’s, which I’m so proud to say because I didn’t even know where to attend college or what I wanted to do in my senior year. So now working full time and being a mom I knew I wanted to go back and get it before my kids get busy. Is it crazy right now, yes, because they are little and I don’t want to miss the moments, but I know I will look back and be proud of myself.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
At my job, I help/work with students who are interested in transferring to a four-year institution. Which means I work with our four-year representatives. Well, Kelly Petrosino was here for Tiffin University and was telling us all about the DragonNext program. I ended up asking her what options there were for Master’s programs, and she shared them with me. So what sold me was that the courses are seven weeks and all online. If you take two classes during that time, you could complete them in a year. Then, with my work having a partnership with Tiffin, I would receive a discount. If I hadn’t talked to Kelly about any of this, I wouldn’t have known about it, but she also spoke to me as a friend, not someone giving a sales pitch.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
It has been such a smooth process, all falling into place. I talked with Kelly, Chris and Allison from Admissions and they were great to give me all the information, help me along the way to getting started for my program. Allison was my admissions representative. She was great, would answer all of my questions, and check in with me. I was so nervous about coming back to school, but they all have helped me, and it’s been great.
I am just finishing up my first semester, and one of my classes was taught by Dr. Megan Schultz, who was great. She is responsive but also gives great feedback. She even offered a Zoom session with the class to meet and get that in-person interaction.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
It’s a lot, a little stressful at times, but personally, my family has been great, so helpful and supportive. If I had to offer any tips, I would say if you have been thinking about returning to school, just do it, find the school that sticks out to you, and “everything falls into place, it was meant to be” and it will be great.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
My children, husband, and my family. My parents didn’t go to college, but they have been so supportive of both my sister and me to dream big and go for it. The best was when I told my dad that I was going back and the proud look on his face, is something I will always remember.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Don’t cut yourself short, don’t settle unless you know it feels right. Make sure you have a good supportive team behind you, but also remember, you got this.
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?
Back in 2021, when I left a previous position to move into a new department, it was scary and nerve-racking. Yes, I had talked with them and knew them, but it was the risk of moving into a new department, a new position. But I am so glad I did, because I have gained so much knowledge, confidence, and memories. That change would then take me down the road to another position within the department, where I am currently. The growth that I have gained since coming into this department is something I am grateful for taking that risk; it has taken me where I am today.