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Featured Diva: Rose, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Accounting

Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? I am a single mom of two (boy and ...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?

I am a single mom of two (boy and girl), 32 years old. I have always wanted to obtain my degree in Accounting, but I kept putting it off for no valid reason, other than I hate writing essays. I was working with a telecommunications company when I decided to go back to school. I was not happy in my current position or department. I wanted out but as much as I applied with other companies, I never got a callback. One day I came across an ad for the University in my area, and I thought, “what’s the worst that can happen? Let me apply and see how this goes” …I got accepted, I was excited and nervous because I felt I was too old to start university. I sucked it up and completed my first semester. Shortly after, I was granted a full scholarship and got a job offer at another company within their finance department. I am now in my second year with one semester left to complete my associates then I am on to my bachelor’s degree.

Has your back to school experience been a smooth journey? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

Thankfully, my experience has been smooth. I have family and friends that encourage me when I feel like throwing in the towel and remind me why I started in the first place.

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

Time management was always a problem for me, I am a procrastinator. I had to discipline myself to stay off social media and put my phone down so that I could focus on my assignments or to spend that ‘social media’ time studying. It is still somewhat of a struggle now, but I use apps that help with keeping track of study time (Flora) and Notion as a planner and ‘to-do’ list for assignments. Whenever I can, I try to stay ahead by reading the chapter that will be discussed before class and making some notes; that way, I understand what the lecturer is discussing.

Tell us about your career goals. What do you plan to do with your degree once you finish?

I will be working towards becoming a CPA. Though, I have been thinking of going into law as well. But I will wait to see where life leads me.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

I would not do anything differently; I feel that I am more mature now, and I take my studies more seriously.

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals.

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Featured Diva: Nicky, Bachelors in Social Work with a Minor in Substance Use Disorders

Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? I've been toying with going back to school for the last...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?

I’ve been toying with going back to school for the last 10 years. I never went to college and gained on-the-job training as a Veterinary Technician over the last 16 years, working my way from kennel assistant to Emergency/Critical Care technician. I found the job to be toxic and unfulfilling but couldn’t even fathom going to college after being out of high school for almost 20 years already! I am now 35 years old, have two children (10 years and 10 months), starting college from SCRATCH, and left the veterinary field to pursue my degree in social work with a special focus on substance abuse.

Has your back to school experience been a smooth journey? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

It most definitely hasn’t been smooth, as I have deeply ingrained inconsistency issues I am currently working through. Staying focused in school and being present for my family has been difficult but I am determined to complete my degree requirements. I know it will all be worth it once I graduate and have an opportunity to go into the career field I desire!

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

Taking full advantage of my son’s nap schedule and utilizing my partners helps as much as possible. Not asking for help has been the hardest habit to break, but now I am realizing how much of the weight is lifted when I do! I use binaural beats to study/read because it helps keep me focused, especially with my family being home and living in an apartment. It drowns out the background noise while also helping me to concentrate. I save any extra financial aid for the next semester so I am not too worried about out-of-pocket costs and I also stopped ordering out so frequently and make every attempt to eat all meals at home.

Tell us about your career goals. What do you plan to do with your degree once you finish?

I plan to work within a juvenile correction facility to assist youth in seeing that they have self-worth and options available to be successful and stay out of the system and reach their full potential.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

I wouldn’t have done anything differently at all because every single experience (good, bad, and indifferent) has to lead me right here in this beautiful moment.

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals.

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Featured Diva: Quenita, AAS Advertising/Graphic Design

Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?  I graduated high school in 1980, went to an HBCU, NC ...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? 

I graduated high school in 1980, went to an HBCU, NC A&T State University, in the Fall of 1980. My focus was not on education. I went following my boyfriend. I only attended 1 1/2 years before going back home and working.
Years went by, I continued to work. Became pregnant, married, and from there it was family first and basic living.
I am a very proud mother of amazing educated adult sons, both holding graduate degrees and are entrepreneurs.
I spent my life encouraging, motivating, and inspiring my sons to get their education. To go as far as you can obtaining their education. I did not want them to interrupt their education. I encouraged them to see the world. They already knew what was at home (hometown). They both did just that. And after my youngest son received his graduate degree in Film Production, he decided he wanted to be a Barber, so he moved back home and enrolled in a local Barber program and finished in June 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. He has 6 more months of apprenticeship. Upon receiving his full license, he plans to open his own Barber Shop. He is also a video content creator specializing in promos, wedding music videos, and short films.
I decided to return to my education after becoming an empty nester, having raised my sons, as a single mother when they were ages 5 and 8; and also after being the primary caregiver for my mother who passed away in 2016. I had taken a couple of Photoshop classes several years ago and loved those classes, so I chose the Advertising/Graphic design curriculum. I began in January 2018 and because I work full time am only able to take two classes per semester and summer. It has been what seems like forever, I am excited to say I will graduate in Spring 2022.
My situation may not be unique to many, but it is unique to me. There are many times, at my age of 59, I ask myself why am I doing this? Who cares? why now? Why not just quit? My answer to myself is I quit before. I taught my sons to not quit, to never give up. Give out before giving. I think about that when those negative questions come to my thoughts. Having only a high school diploma, until I follow this venture through satisfactorily completing the course requirements for an AAS Advertising/Graphic Design Degree, I don’t feel I have led my sons by example.
Between my two sons, I’ve been to and cheered them through 7 graduations, from high school through grad school, and Barber school. I have 6 caps/gowns/stoles hanging in my closets. I want the next cap/gown/stole that is worn and comes into my house to be worn by and belong to ME!

Has your back to school experience been a smooth journey? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

It has certainly been a journey! I cannot complain. I pay for my own classes. I only take two per semester and summer sessions. I limit myself to two classes to not overwhelm myself because I do work full-time and manage a Scheduling Call Center. There are times when the job can require more of me, but I set clear boundaries, as school is super important to me this time around.

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

Time management is a struggle. Having not been to school in several decades, I realized that I needed to discipline myself to create study time. My entire program has been online. I had to set a study boundary for myself. Homework is due by midnight one night per week. On the due night, I place my phone on Do Not Disturb till midnight.
This allows me to focus on my classwork to make sure I have everything ready to submit if I’m down to the last night to submit. As soon as I leave work, my phone goes on DND. By doing this I don’t hear calls nor texts coming in. If I did, I would spend the majority of my evening chit chatting and texting. It took family and friends a while to understand and some were offended, but this is about me, not them. My sons knew and understood, but they also know that they are exceptions to my rule and I am available for them anytime, even on homework night.

Tell us about your career goals. What do you plan to do with your degree once you finish?

Both my sons are entrepreneurs in videography/film/advertising/social media. My goal is to help them with their business after I retire from my current job.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

Time management is a struggle. Having not been to school in several decades, I realized that I needed to discipline myself to create study time. My entire program has been online. I had to set a study boundary for myself. Homework is due by midnight one night per week. On the due night, I place my phone on Do Not Disturb till midnight. This allows me to focus on my classwork to make sure I have everything ready to submit if I’m down to the last night to submit. As soon as I leave work, my phone goes on DND.

 

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals.

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Featured Diva: Hytha, IT

  Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?  I have enrolled in two separate classes one...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? 

I have enrolled in two separate classes one at Yale through Coursera and the other one is the Goggle IT class. I was given a grant for this one also through Coursera. I have been in the pharmacy for 25 plus years. Looking to go in a different direction appreciating the downtime.

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

Currently, self-discipline is the key. I work from home in my office for 8 hours so now I do it for myself.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

Never lose your vision or was given to you for a purpose if not today or tomorrow just stay the course.

 

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals.

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Featured Diva: Kimberly, GED

  Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?  I'm a 39-year-old single mom of one. I'm in...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? 

I’m a 39-year-old single mom of one. I’m in GED school now but I want to get my GED and take up phycology I want to do this for myself and my son.

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

Well, I’m in GED school but my time is in the morning because my son is in school till the afternoon.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

I will not quit till I get my diploma.

 

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals. 

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Featured Diva: Latagia, Masters Degree & Graduate Certificate

Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?  My name is Latagia Copeland-Tyronce and I am a long t...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? 

My name is Latagia Copeland-Tyronce and I am a long time and well known parental rights activist, parent mentor/coach, child welfare reformist/abolitionist, writer, blogger, founder, president, and executive director of the National African American Families First and Preservation Association (also known as NAFPA). I am 33 years old and currently reside in Detroit MI though I am actually from Toledo Ohio. I am happily married to an ordained minister and gospel musician Mr. Laverne Tyronce Sr. I am the proud mother of eight (six girls and two boys ranging in age from 15 down to 3) and come from an extremely low-income family and background. I was a teen mom (I had my first daughter at 17) who dropped out of school in the 10th grade and decided to go back to school in my early twenties. I received my GED when I was 23 while pregnant with my 4th child and started college at 24 shortly after the death of my mother who was my only support system. I am a domestic violence survivor who unjustly lost seven of my children to the racist child welfare system in Ohio (which removes Black children sky-high rates and more than most other states) several years ago and while in college which leads me to become the macro social worker, writer/blogger and parental rights advocate and activist that I am today. My work, experiences, the story has been featured in several online and print publications including rising Magazine, Psychology Today, and SWHelper dot com. I become the first person in my family to graduate from college in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration with Honors from Mercy College of Ohio (I also have an associate’s degree in general studies as well as a minor in Psychology from the same institution). I recently graduated with my Masters in Social Work in 2018 from Wayne State University (I also have a graduate certificate from WSU and am currently pursuing another master’s degree and graduate certificate). Challenges that I experienced (many I still experience as a graduate student) and had to overcome include CPS involvement, mental health issues (grief, depression, and severe PTSD), homelessness, lack of support system, motherhood, chronic illness/pain, and new and other professional obligations outside of school such as being an activist, writer, advocate and running my organization. I believe that being a former foster child (studies concluded that less than 3 percent of all foster children graduate from college) as well as all that I have been through while pursuing my college and graduate school career is what makes my experience unique and inspiring to others.

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

I really didn’t have any other than find places (destruction-free zones) where you can study and do classwork. If you need help get it early don’t wait! I also always bought used books.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

You can do whatever you put your mind to. If you start be prepared to finish. Have a plan A through C. Don’t let the costs stop you from pursuing your education. Don’t let things not being exactly the way you’d like them to stop you from starting school because you’ll never ever start as life and your situation will never be perfect.

 

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals. 

Woman studying in a coffeeshop
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Tips for Managing ADHD in College

Woman studying in a coffeeshop

ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is an extremely common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. However, ADHD can be diagnosed in adults, too. Because ADHD can make it hard to focus, it ca...

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ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is an extremely common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. However, ADHD can be diagnosed in adults, too.

Because ADHD can make it hard to focus, it can have an impact on your college career. With so much of your day-to-day schedule determined by you, you want access to the best tools for success.

Want to know how you can improve your college performance with ADHD? In the Back to School Divas Facebook group, members had a few helpful tips to share!

 

Medication

A specialist may prescribe you medication to manage your symptoms. Depending on your situation, you may either be prescribed stimulants, which are fast-acting and highly effective, or non-stimulants, which are not as potent but have longer lasting effects.

 

 

Bullet Journaling and Planners

Keeping journals, planners and diaries are a great way to keep track of your schedule and keep yourself accountable. It is especially helpful to students, who need to constantly keep track of various exams, projects and presentations that are coming up. It can help you focus on the most important tasks before tackling smaller, more tedious tasks. Since ADHD tends to cause a short attention span and difficulty learning, writing down thoughts, ideas and lists – even on your mobile device – can be an effective way to increase your productivity.

Looking to invest in a planner or journal? Click here to check out some of the best options available online today!

 

 

Physical Activity & Self-Care

Exerting some of your extra energy can be a great way to tire your brain, allowing you to practice your focusing techniques. College students especially are prone to long hours of physical inactivity, causing stress, boredom and a feeling or restlessness. Exercises such as running, swimming, and biking are all great options for breaking a sweat. If you are looking for a more calming activity that can also help you improve your mood, you can try yoga or meditation.

Check out this article to learn some of the best exercises to help combat the effects of ADHD!

 

 

See a Therapist

There is absolutely no shame in getting help when you need it! Seeing a therapist and speaking to them about your symptoms and coping mechanisms can help you vent your frustrations and improve your mindset.

 

 

Know Your Limits

Everyone is different so comparing your form of ADHD with someone else’s is a losing battle. If you’re struggling to keep up with schoolwork, consider asking for extra help outside of class hours or decrease the number of classes you have in general. Learn to take breaks when you need it, as being well rested will undoubtedly help you with your focus. Be kind to yourself and forgive the mistakes you make along the way.

 

There are many ways to help relieve the stress and anxiety that come with an ADHD diagnosis. Living with this disorder is totally doable and, although college can seem daunting and difficult, you can experiment with all the suggestions above, until you find something that works for YOU!

 

woman in college on computer
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How Coronavirus is Impacting College Towns

woman in college on computer

Even in the era of a deadly pandemic, the excitement of college season hasn’t dwindled among students across the country. For freshman students, going away to college has been a dream for years. It's a vision promise...

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Even in the era of a deadly pandemic, the excitement of college season hasn’t dwindled among students across the country. For freshman students, going away to college has been a dream for years. It’s a vision promised to them after the long road to high school graduation. For returning students, a degree is the promise of a better future. Yet, the 2020 fall semester has been anything but a dream for many.

 

Increased COVID Cases on Campus

 

Projections released by PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in late August suggested that large Midwestern cities would enter the fall with weekly cases nearly 10 times the rate of infection as the spring in Europe. Meanwhile, schools in Alabama, California, and Georgia have already reported hundreds of positive cases in the first few weeks of the back to school season.

 

In fact, a New York Times conducted a survey of 1,600 American colleges and universities that included every four-year public institution, every private college that competes in NCAA sports, and others. They reported that 88,000 cases and 60 deaths had been reported since the pandemic began. Most of the deaths, it was revealed, were those of college employees.

 

Due to COVID concerns, many schools are opting for online courses or a blend of in-person and online courses. Fall sports have been postponed or cancelled altogether. The Big Ten announced on September 16 a return to college football beginning October 24. NCAA basketball will resume on November 25. 

 

The Financial Impact of COVID on Schools

 

Still, it isn’t just classes and sports that are threatened because of the virus.

 

According to reports by NPR, at least 20% of universities are putting students back in classrooms for in-person classes this fall as COVID-19 cases surge across the country. 16% of schools are offering a blend of in-person and online experiences. The reason for that, it is reported, is often financial for schools.

 

While universities charge for tuition, dining, and room and board, among other fees, some schools – particularly small, private institutions – can only manage to be profitable when enrollment is high. College athletic programs can be a huge draw for new students and sports lovers. However, when playing seasons aren’t promised, enrollment may be lower. Safety concerns from parents and students alike may lead to lower enrollment as well.

 

For many colleges, in-person students are the lifeline to staying in business. For small college towns in rural locations, students may be the lifeline for the city’s economy. This year, COVID may not just be affecting student learning, but the wellbeing of entire communities as well.

 

What will all of this mean for the future of universities and students? Projections suggest that colleges may move to virtual-first experiences and enhanced outdoor safety protocols to bring students back to dorms and sporting events. Students may have the ability in the future to opt for a number of in-person learning hours per semester, with the rest being virtual. In the meantime, stay tuned for information from your university to see what changes may develop this school year.

President Trump giving thumbs up at convention
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What Trump’s Executive Order Could Mean for Your 2020 Student Loans

President Trump giving thumbs up at convention

Student Loan Deferment Under the CARES Act

In March of this year, the U.S. federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. This legislature included many benefits, including a s...

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Student Loan Deferment Under the CARES Act

In March of this year, the U.S. federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. This legislature included many benefits, including a stimulus payment and deferment of student loan payments and 0% interest until September 30th.

 

When the CARES Act expired on July 31, many of its benefits expired, too. Starting August 1, the race was on in Congress to pass a new law that would extend benefits and help keep Americans float. No agreement was found before Congress went on their late summer break. That meant millions of Americans were left out in the cold until they return to deliberate after Labor Day in September.

 

Trump’s Executive Order on Student Loan Payment Relief

On August 8, Trump released a series of executive orders meant to help bridge the gap. Among them was an order to extend student loan deferment until December 31, 2020.

 

Read the full executive order on student loan payment relief on the White House website.

 

Under CARES, federal loan repayments were suspended with 0% interest rates through September 30th. Students who owe money can still repay (if you are a student and you can afford to keep making payments, you should take advantage as payments are directed 100% to your principal loan amount). However, if you’ve been furloughed, laid off, or otherwise don’t have income, you don’t have to worry.

 

That is, of course, until September 30th. Once that date comes, these benefits will expire. Trump’s executive order on student loan payments now extends this benefit.

 

What’s in the Executive Order on Student Loan Payments?

Student loan payments are deferred with 0% interest until December 31, 2020. If you choose to continue making payments, you can. It’s also worth noting that the executive order does not include student loan forgiveness.

Remember that this may change. The second stimulus proposals that were in discussion before Congress went on break may include new student loan relief that could override the order. That will likely be decided in September.

 

What Does the Executive Order Do?

An executive order is a mandate passed by the President. Unlike other laws, Congress does not have to approve, and they can’t easily revoke it. As long as the order does not break any laws, it is considered a lawful order. But this doesn’t mean it will go into effect right away. The Secretary of State, Betsy DeVos, is responsible for taking action on the order. The order doesn’t state how she should go about putting the order into effect. If she chooses to, she can fight back against the order in court to prevent implementing it.

 

School can be stressful, with or without worrying about student loan payments. Read our tips on dealing with stress from doctors in this blog post.

How Can I Learn More About the Executive Order?

Here are a few helpful articles that can help you explore this topic:

Forbes: Student Loans Are Paused – Some Borrowers Are Confused

CNBC: Trump extended federal student loan relief—here’s what financial experts say you should do if you qualify

Bankrate: Trump’s executive orders extend student loan relief, with some exceptions

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Pregnant + MBA? This Mom’s Experience in B-School

We love hearing from our Divas! In this blog post, we sat down Elois Joseph to discuss her back to school journey as a soon-to-be mom in an MBA program. This weekend warrior inspires us to step out in faith and pursue our goals no matter what! &nb...

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We love hearing from our Divas! In this blog post, we sat down Elois Joseph to discuss her back to school journey as a soon-to-be mom in an MBA program. This weekend warrior inspires us to step out in faith and pursue our goals no matter what!

 

Keep reading for your own inspiration.

 

Q: What made you go back for your MBA?

A: I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’d worked for the same company for more than a decade. I thought my patience and loyalty would put me in a position to advance. After patiently waiting for almost a decade with no advancement, I decided it was time to move on. I also realized that my skills and ideas were stale and that my confidence was low. I knew that if I wanted to compete in today’s job market, that I needed to reinvent myself.

 

Q: Did future family plans play a part in your staying in your position for so long?

A: Not at all. I had too much faith in my manager/company.

 

Q: Gotcha. What was your MBA program like?

A: I did the “Executive” format which worked for me. That meant 8 hours of class time on Saturdays.

 

Q: Was it hard being in class so long being pregnant at the same time?

A: I was being so fulfilled and having my confidence renewed with my new skills that it didn’t bother me one bit. Not to mention the school was 40 miles away so it took an hour to get there, and 2.5 hours to get home due to traffic. I also didn’t want to let my cohort down or show a sign of not being able to handle it all. But I had a great pregnancy which helped a lot.

 

 

Q: That is definitely a blessing! What about your educational journey do you think being pregnant made unique.

A: We had a capstone project for a final project, as opposed to a thesis. The company, Scot Forge, was quite a distance from home so on site meetings in my last term made me nervous only because I was carrying an 11 pound baby that I delivered about 7 days after graduation.

 

 

Q: What made you continue knowing that being pregnant would present more challenges?

A: I never thought that being pregnant would present challenges. I had a great pregnancy so I moved through the school, work, pregnancy flow rather gracefully. Another great motivator was based on statistics. Black girl from the hood-hood of Chicago, single mom, absent father— you know how the story goes. Then to be told that I could never have kids, and to work in a non-diverse sector like the financial industry for 20 years, I was in beast mode. In theory, My life was sort of set up to fail. I was driven…a real corporate go getter and very much of a “I can do anything a man can do” type personality. So to do all of these things; work, school, pregnant, I was on fire. No weapon formed against me stood a chance.

 

Q: What was your support system like?

A: Excellent support system. It was just my husband and I so he was cool and very supportive of me going to school 8 hours, every Saturday for two years. Once I was finished, he was inspired and enrolled in school.

 

Q: What tips do you have for any of our Divas either going back to school or thinking about going back to school while pregnant?

A: Do it. Even if you have to take part time hours to make it work for your life, do it. Take advantage of employers’ tuition reimbursement. It may seem like a long journey, but it goes by so quickly. If you’re not an entrepreneur, an education will increase your knowledge/skills and open up many doors. I’m very pro-education. Even if you are an entrepreneur education will make sure that your skills are never stale. NEVER allow your skills to become stale and outdated and stop fighting glass ceilings. Always invest in yourself and remain competitive with an education and trending skills.