As I reflect back on my decision to finish my master’s degree, it was based solely on my desire to gain the skills I needed in order to increase my earning potential within higher education. I had very little desire to further my education after finishing my undergraduate degree while raising my young son. The thought of taking on that hurdle seemed almost an impossible feat. My path to this point has not been an easy journey. I’ve had many trials and tribulations since becoming a single mother in 2011; however, I’m on track to graduate December 2019 and I’m beyond excited!

Career Changer

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I have over 12 years of legal experience, 6 years in higher education student support, and an undergraduate degree in information technology management and leadership. Needless to say, I have an eclectic background. However, I enrolled in the COML program to further my communication and leadership skills in order to someday teach others.

Passion for Student Success & Teaching

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In 2013, I took my passion for helping people in a legal environment and have tried to turn it into a career working with students in higher education. My time at Central Washington University (CWU), where I trained and supervised over 30 students each year, opened my eyes to my communication skills, and further exploration of improvement. The highlight of my higher education career was the winter of 2017. I was nominated for Employee of the Month by the tutors and staff at CWU’s Learning Commons. I’ve never in my life been honored in that way and it was an honor that I will always treasure. At that moment, I knew the students and staff I worked with understand how passionate I am about student success.

Work in Progress

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I’ve always had a fear of speaking in public and still do. However, when I started at CWU I was quickly catapulted into providing an academic and survival skills workshop to incoming freshman at CWU, along with their visiting friends and family. I’ve learned in my time within higher education, there is nothing like providing a workshop to students, along with mom and dad, to help overcome a fear of public speaking. Thankfully, my workshop geared towards a game, which made it entertaining, and in-turn took the focus off of me. To me, public speaking is a skill you learn as you go. It takes time, patience, and confidence to build these skills. I’m still a work in progress.

Moving Forward

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Communication is a winding road of complexities in life’s ever-changing journey. Since I’ve been on the communication scholar path, I’ve paid more attention to how communication can bridge the gap or divide us in various ways. It wasn’t until I started this program, that I’ve been able to take communication theory and apply it when watching media, reviewing the ongoing Facebook debates, and reflect on how my communication style may be perceived by others. As an advocate for student success and a future teacher, I hope that someday my story can empower others to overcome the fear of pursuing their dreams.