Current occupation:
Student Support Specialist
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I pursued a Ph.D. because I wanted to become an expert in my field and contribute to the body of knowledge in my area of study. Tiffin’s Ph.D. program will allow me to delve deeply into the history, theory, and practice of leadership and change, and I am now excited to bring this knowledge to a career in academia or research.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I chose Tiffin University because I thrive on close relationships and a well-rounded education. Tiffin provides smaller class sizes, in which close relationships can be built with peers and Professors. It was important that those directing the program fostered engagement and collaborative environments that produced well-rounded students. The smaller classes and tight-knit community are what ultimately brought me to Tiffin!
Describe your experience with the program so far.
My experience with Tiffin’s Ph.D. program has been excellent. The technology has been easy to use and integrated into my education. The professors are extremely friendly and provide amazing feedback, which enhances the entire program. I know I can approach them with questions even outside of their class, and they are always willing to offer their expert advice and help. I have had a great experience so far and am excited to see how the rest of my time plays out.
I have interacted with my classmates and Professors both online and in person for residency. The class cohorts have constantly been engaging, and everyone makes an effort to have conversations. Professors give excellent feedback that helps me become a better student overall. Residency is so much fun, where you get to see everyone with whom you have been working in person.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
Handling work, family, and school can get overwhelming. My best advice is to plan out your weeks ahead of time. Knowing when to put time aside to study and do schoolwork takes the pressure off of constantly worrying about getting it done. I always make sure I have one day a week to relax and recharge so I don’t burn myself out. It is all about finding that balance and knowing how you manage time.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
My motivation comes from my desire to advance in my career and pursue the various opportunities that come with obtaining a Ph.D. Although the work can be challenging, I am confident that in the end, I will have something to be proud of, and that will propel me towards my life goals.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
My advice would be to map out your plan. Why do you want to go back? What is the end goal of the degree? How will you manage your time? Who are you doing this for? Once you know the answers to those questions you can map out what success looks like for you and how to get there.
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?
Returning to school as an adult comes with its own set of challenges, especially when juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities. However, as Tiffin’s motto wisely states, “Without risk, there is no gain.” This means that taking risks is often necessary for achieving success. I firmly believe that there is no perfect time to start something new. By taking the first step now, you are making progress towards your goals, despite the obstacles you may face. In the end you will come out with so much knowledge and experience it is worth the risk.