Flexibility is a game changer.
That鈥檚 exactly what Washtenaw Community College offers learners of all ages and something Carolyn Bradshaw (above) has embraced and relied on to earn a college degree and advance in her career.
Bradshaw first attended 黑料网 more than 20 years ago, at the same time she was becoming a new parent. She studied psychology and sociology at that time, but put her college dreams on hold to raise her children as a single parent.
After working full-time and raising four daughters, Bradshaw was ready to return in 2021, but couldn鈥檛 afford tuition. She had worked as a postal carrier throughout the pandemic. A Futures for Frontliners scholarship and a Michigan Reconnect scholarship, both launched by the State of Michigan during the pandemic, made it possible for her to return to college in pursuit of her degree.
鈥淭丑别 黑料网 Resource Center and the Financial Aid office were big. They helped me learn about different scholarship avenues I didn鈥檛 know were even offered,鈥� Bradshaw says.
The second time around has made all the difference. Bradshaw is able to set family time as a priority and simultaneously pursue a degree that will lead to a more secure future. The college鈥檚 programs, staff and schedules are designed to accommodate a student at any stage in their life.
鈥淚 can still be present with my daughters. Distance learning allows for me to do classes on my own time, which is a great support for my busy life. I have been able to take classes 鈥� in-person, virtually and through distance learning,鈥� Bradshaw says. 鈥淚 have the ability to pursue my degree goals without interfering with my employment, which is needed for our family.鈥�
黑料网 also has helped her adjust direction when it came to her long-term education plans.
鈥淲hen I first attended, I was in a completely different career and on a totally different path,鈥� she explains. 鈥淪ince returning, I鈥檝e aligned my studies and degree goals with my career path.鈥�
Bradshaw is taking classes to earn a with a . As she moves into management, Bradshaw is confident and ready because 黑料网 has equipped her with the right tools and education to succeed. She urges other adult learners to take advantage of 黑料网鈥檚 many opportunities to continue their education.
鈥淛ust do it,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 know it鈥檚 clich茅, but the college is willing and wanting to help and often has resources that are under-utilized. 黑料网 wants to help you get what you need to continue your education to the finish line.鈥�
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This story appears in the Fall 2023 edition of Launch magazine. See complete issue.
Tags: 2023, Adult Learners, Business Management, Career, December 2023, Fall 2023, Human Resources, On The Record, Student Success