Education is something that I have always viewed as a means to set one’s own course and destination in life. Our circumstances and experiences, though they mold and shape us, do not ultimately define us. We have to use the tools at our disposal to chart our course. For me personally education and hard work have enabled me to chart my course and set my destination.

At seventeen years old I found myself pregnant, still in high school. My family taught me that I needed to stay in school while working hard and that I would still have all of my goals achieved while also providing a life for my unborn baby. That year I took an overload of courses, had my son in March, returned to school in May and graduated with honors in June (with the rest of my class). I had to work in partnership with the teachers and administrators to ensure that I steadily stayed on course. While going to school, my family needed my financial assistance also, so I worked two more than part-time jobs while doing a more than full-time course load to finish school. I did not get support from outside means or sources. 

After I graduated, I was faced with a massive decision. I watched as many friends went about and enjoyed that summer after senior year partying and making memories before going away to college. I knew very clearly that certain things would not be an option. Those things included traveling, going away to a college and taking a gap year to not work. Although I would not move away, there was nothing stopping me from attending college. My dreams of being an executive may no longer be an option, but having a dream and aa determination to be more was powerful. After talking to several people whose opinions I greatly respected, I decided to attend the local university which offered eight-week, evening courses. This would allow me to be a mom, work full-time to support my son and myself, and to attend college.

The unique setting of going to college with “non-traditional” students at eighteen years old opened windows and doors that I never thought possible. It ultimately led me to connections which evolved into two pivotal jobs, which catapulted my career and provided financial assistance to help me continue as a single mother working to finish college. In college, I actually met my now husband, who from that day forward would be my loudest cheerleader to continue to ensure my flame and love of learning would never be extinguished, even when times were hard. Through another baby, several tough years of being newly married, converting my religion, learning to be a wife, military spouse, working mom and many other titles, we persevered. Though it was not easy, my faith in God, love of my family and passion for education were the fuels that kept my fire burning.

I was able to complete an Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree with no prior college credit in just over seven years. Although I did not fully realize the education that I had gotten at the time, I did come to treasure its value, as I’ve gotten older. Coincidentally, because my son at times went to class in his car seat or sat next to me during classes when I did not have a sitter, my son truly went to college with me. Though it was different from high school as he was physically present, he still was part of that journey. I took him to walk across the stage when I received my Associate’s Degree. He was a huge part of my “why” to keep working hard, putting in the long hours, juggling a million tasks and to never give up. My oldest son is a major source of inspiration as well.

My oldest son, is a now twenty-two year old, young man pursuing his college education. He went from almost non-verbal to a very high functioning young adult with Autism. Though Autism impacts his and our lives daily, it has served as a source of inspiration for me personally work to find ways to help others find pathways for success. My son serves as the inspiration for my thesis project. The hope is to make meaningful impact in the educational journey and experiences of other neurodivergent students.

I look to use this opportunity and experience from my doctoral program to allow me to gain an education that will enable me to continue charting my course and help create the pathways to others' destinations. I look forward to putting my research, time, talents and energies to continuing to fight for inclusion for those with Autism in the higher education setting while empowering them to achieve greater success. 

My Inspiration - My Oldest Son