Why did you choose (your school/college)?

I chose to attend ASU because it has been a dream of mine ever since my late Aunt Sharon gifted me a stuffed bear dressed as an ASU cheerleader. She told me, 'One day you might be a Sun Devil,' and that simple yet powerful statement stayed with me. From that moment on, I made it my goal to attend ASU and become part of its vibrant community. My family has always been a strong source of support and inspiration for me, and their encouragement helped me pursue this dream. The connection to my aunt, along with the opportunities that ASU offers, made it the perfect place for me to achieve my academic and personal aspirations while honoring my family's belief in me.

What is your major and why did you choose this pathway?

I am currently in the Master’s Program majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis on Leadership in the W.P. Carey School of Business. I chose this pathway because it offers a versatile foundation for a wide range of career opportunities and equips me with the skills to thrive in leadership roles. I have always been drawn to solving problems, making strategic decisions, and understanding the dynamics of organizations.

Pursuing an MBA allows me to build on my strengths and gain advanced knowledge in areas like management, finance, and operations, which are essential for achieving my long-term goal of holding a leadership role in SRPMIC. This degree empowers me to pursue my ambitions and opens doors to possibilities I may not have considered before.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome these challenges?

A significant challenge I faced as a full-time student while pursuing my AA in Business and Art was becoming a new mother during my second semester at SCC. As a single parent, balancing my personal life and academic responsibilities was incredibly difficult. I often felt exhausted and defeated, and there were many moments when I thought about quitting or delaying my education. However, I reminded myself, 'How am I helping my daughter if I quit now?'

To manage, I made strategic adjustments: I enrolled in night classes so my family could watch my daughter, completed schoolwork during her naptime, and often stayed up late to ensure I could care for her while she was awake. I also transitioned from in-person classes to online courses to create more flexibility.

When I returned to school to pursue a BA in Communication at ASU, the challenges intensified. I now had three children, was working full-time, and attending in-person classes. Not all professors understood the complexities of my situation, particularly with assignment deadlines. To overcome this, I worked ahead in my classes, dedicated weekends to coursework, and improved my time-management strategies.

Graduate school has presented its own unique challenges. During the summer semester of 2024, I was juggling multiple class projects, working full-time, and preparing to give birth to my youngest daughter. Despite being in pain and pressed for time, I worked with my professor to gain early access to class materials, completing 75% of the coursework in just two weeks before my team finalized the remaining 25% while I was out.

These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons. Technology has become my greatest ally, helping me stay organized and connected. I’ve learned to set firm boundaries, prioritize my time effectively, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. Most importantly, I’ve relied on a strong support system at work and home, for which I am deeply grateful. These challenges have not only shaped my resilience but have also motivated me to thrive in every area of my life.

How do you balance your time between school, work and family?

Balancing school, work, and family requires effective communication and organization. One of the key tools that has helped me manage everything is my calendar and reminder apps. I make it a priority to communicate with my family, especially my children, about what our day or week looks like. For example, when I take them to school, we discuss my homework schedule or class meetings so they understand when I need to focus on schoolwork.

I also set up shared calendars with my family, ensuring we’re all aware of upcoming events and commitments. To stay on track, I color-code each calendar, set multiple reminders, and prioritize family events. This system not only helps me stay organized but has also allowed my children to learn the importance of time management. By modeling these skills, I’m able to juggle my responsibilities while creating a more structured environment for my family.

Looking back, is there anything that you would do differently?

Looking back, I would have applied to ASU earlier. I believe that the lessons I’ve learned throughout my academic journey would have been even more impactful if I had started sooner. Had I taken that step earlier, I feel I could have reached my goals more quickly and gained valuable experiences at an earlier stage. However, the timing has also taught me important lessons in patience, resilience, and the value of each step along the way.

What do you plan on doing once you graduate?

Once I graduate, I plan to continue honing my skills in my current position while implementing the strategies and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my education. I’m eager to apply these concepts to help my team and improve our work environment. Additionally, I recognize the importance of work-life balance, so I plan to spend more time with my family and take time to relax and recharge. This will allow me to maintain a healthy balance as I move forward in my career while nurturing my personal life.

How has the Higher Education Program helped you?

The Higher Education Program has been incredibly helpful to me throughout my academic journey. When I first started college, I wasn’t aware of the program and had to pay for my books and educational materials out-of-pocket. However, after applying to ASU, I learned about the various benefits and support the program offers.

The program advisors have been an invaluable resource, helping me navigate tuition, FAFSA, and my academic progress. They’ve also been a constant source of encouragement, checking in regularly to ensure I was staying on track. In addition, they’ve provided referrals for academic scholarships and job opportunities that align with my career goals, which have been incredibly helpful in furthering my education and professional aspirations.

I am truly grateful for the support I’ve received from the program, and because of the positive impact it has had on my educational journey, I’ve also referred others to reach out and take advantage of the resources available. It’s a program I highly recommend to anyone seeking guidance and support in their academic and career pursuits.