I Dared to Go Back to School and Revamp My Career  

I grew up in various parts of Southern California and Oregon. My parents divorced when I was ten, and I often moved between their homes. Since my parents didn’t prioritize my education, I attended fourteen schools before finishing high school. In 11th grade, I focused on my studies and earned my diploma. With the help of my amazing teachers, I succeeded. They encouraged me to continue my education and inspired me to work hard.   

I always desired to earn a college degree because I wanted to grow a stable career and become a teacher—just like the many who inspired me. When I worked in a Life Skills classroom for the first time, I knew that was the place I wanted to be. My passion for helping others thus became my career and my life’s purpose.   

Why Traditional College Didn’t Work for Me  

Life can get in the way despite clarity in terms of ambition; I attended a traditional college. I went to class in person and had a schedule to follow. I enjoyed it, but after I had my first baby it became extremely difficult; I dropped out in 2013, and then for several years I wasn’t able to get back to school.   

I continued working as a Para Educator in the Life Skills classroom and had a constant awareness that I needed to get my college degree to have a firm footing in the field of teaching. That became the main inspiration to look for a school that could allow me to learn on my own time.   

Going Back to School as a Single Working Mom  

To prepare for the challenge of going back to school as a single working mom, I talked with my kids about the journey that lay ahead. I let them know why I wanted to earn a degree.  

I found out about UoPeople through my brother, who owns a nonprofit. He suggested it as an affordable quality education option for me. UoPeople emerged as a ray of hope. I chose to study here mainly for the amazing flexibility and the ease of transferring credits. I transferred 17 credits from my previous college experience and trust me, it saved me both time and money.  

As a UoPeople learner, I enjoyed the flexibility and being able to earn a degree debt-free. I am grateful for the chance to return to school at an affordable cost. The flexible and supportive learning environment ensured I had time to take care of my kids, work a full-time job, and still have time for my studies.  

I set myself up for success by being sure to have a plan on how long I would be in school, how many courses to take, and when I would study. I realized I had a purpose and wanted to create a better life for myself and my kids. The ability to manage my schedule while having weekly deadlines helped keep me on track. It’s important to me to show my children that hard work and dedication are essential to achieving their goals. 

Why I Studied Health Science  

I earned an Associate of Science in Health Science (AHS) at UoPeople because social work means a lot to me as a Life Skills Educator. I love working with people and families. During my time at UoPeople, I learned various aspects of human health and its significance to the social aspects of human life. I learned about the importance of community and how everything is built with a purpose. I was able to understand the need for healthcare providers to care about more than just physical health.  

My degree in Health Science has helped me in my current career in various ways. I have learned to understand health issues more adequately, understand how to provide resources to the people I support, and provide a more holistic approach when dealing with health issues while working.  

I learned to ask questions about everyday life such as “Where does the patient live?” “Is the patient undergoing any kind of stress,” “How often are they able to get outside and walk in their neighborhood?,” etc. Working toward my degree in Health Science opened my eyes to so many aspects of life that I previously overlooked. I had to write essays, research topics I hadn’t thought of before, and answer weekly discussion posts. Peer engagement allowed me to learn from people all over the world. I was able to read about their perspectives on the same subjects. The assignments were engaging, and I found plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.  

Never Giving Up Hope

I am excited for my future! Having earned a degree that prepared me for the kind of career I wish to build for myself, I feel confident. I have now started my next educational journey towards earning my bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education (dual licensure). Although I am a single parent, I have help from those around me who love me and my children unconditionally, and that has helped me navigate my back-to-school experience. I truly feel blessed.

To anyone wanting to go back to school, I want to say “It’s never too late. If I could do it as a single mother with a demanding full-time job, so could you! It’s going to be challenging, but you will be so proud of yourself for having earned a college degree in the end. So, don’t give up hope and dare to go back to school!”  

About the Author  

Deanna M. is a Job Coach helping individuals with developmental disabilities build skills, maintain employment, and eventually work independently. Since graduating she has used her new understanding of holistic approaches to connect with the people she aims to support. When not working or studying, she likes to read, spend time with her kids, go on walks, and try new things out. Her motto in life is ‘stay curious and work hard consistently to achieve good things.’