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 ...

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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January 14, 2021January 15, 2021

Stop Being Hard On Yourself

Stop being so hard on yourself, Divas‼️ Don't get down, don't stress yourself out, stop beating yourself. Be happy with your accomplishments and have the courage to take a leap of faith. Lift and hold yourself up! Celebrate the journey at...

Stop being so hard on yourself, Divas‼️ Don’t get down, don’t stress yourself out, stop beating yourself.

Be happy with your accomplishments and have the courage to take a leap of faith. Lift and hold yourself up!

Celebrate the journey at EVERY step no matter the outcome! If you want

Going back to school and need support?

Join the Back to School Divas FB Community
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Get Featured in the BTSD Blog
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BTSD Community

January 12, 2021January 14, 2021

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...

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.

Back to School Tips

June 20, 2019

Diva Spotlight: Briana Williams, Master’s of Science in Community Development

While most college students need student loans in order to get their degree, this isn't the only obstacle. The truth is that life is never easy and at Back to School Divas we like to remind you that pursuing your dreams is 100% worth...

While most college students need student loans in order to get their degree, this isn’t the only obstacle. The truth is that life is never easy and at Back to School Divas we like to remind you that pursuing your dreams is 100% worth the challenge.

This is exactly what Briana Williams did. In May 2019, Briana walked across the stage after earning herMaster’s of Science in Community Development. But why is Briana any different?

Briana is a college graduate who fiercely followed her dreams. This believer in God took all her strength and succeeded.

“I’m celebrating GOD’s accomplishment – for the glory belongs to him! Praise God for favor! In spite of calamity (divorce, being a single parent of two toddlers, and more to name a fed). I’m on my way to my destiny because the favor and grace of God is on my life! #MASTEREDit #THANKyouMASTER”

-Briana Williams

Briana was able to get her Master’s of Science in Community Development even though, most of the time, she was raising young kids a single parent. For all parents out there, you know this isn’t an easy task, especially when you need to focus on so many things at once

We’re so proud to feature Briana as our June Back to Divas Featured Diva! After all, this adult college student used her faith in God and transformed it into something positive for both her and her family. With a college degree, she now has a better chance of raising her toddlers the way she believes is best as she continues on her path to continuous success.

Graduating from college takes a lot of time and effort. When you’re a single parent who needs to provide for two toddlers, life can get a lot more complicated. However, Briana saw this as a challenge. She had to do it. For her sake and for the sake of her young kids. And with her faith, she managed to do it.

No matter the challenge, you CAN make a better life for yourself by going back to school. Leave Briana a comment below and share your journey with us!

Join the Back to School Divas Facebook Group for a chance to be featured!

Back to School Tips

February 28, 2019February 27, 2019

Should I Switch Majors?

So, you’re a year or two into your college journey and you’re starting to feel like, maybe, you made the wrong choice about your major. Courses in your major don’t excite...

So, you’re a year or two into your college journey and you’re starting to feel like, maybe, you made the wrong choice about your major.

Courses in your major don’t excite you. Honestly, you’re not even sure you want to pursue a career in the same field you did when you registered.

What do you do?

Should You Switch Majors?

Making the choice to switch majors in college can be tough. You don’t want to lose credits you’ve worked hard for or — even worse — increase the weight of your student debt.

To be sure you’re making the right choice, first ask yourself the following:

What’s making me want to switch my current major?
How can I improve my experience in my current major? Do I need help through tough courses? Is it my professors?
What new major or career path interests me now? Why?

Once you have a deep understanding of what’s causing you to seek change, you can determine if you truly want to continue with the process.

How to Change Majors: First Steps

If you’re considering starting a new graduation track, the first thing you’ll want to do is schedule some time with your College Advisor. Your Advisor’s top priority is helping you succeed, and with their wealth of knowledge and experience, they’re a great option for advice.

In general, students in their first 2 years of college (or first 60 credits) will have a less-risky route to changing majors. That’s because those first credits are made up of your “basic” courses. The courses that set the foundation for your future degree are usually easily applicable to almost any track you choose.

The further into your current track you are, the more challenging it may be to switch without some penalties. That’s why switching majors in your junior year of college can be a risk — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.

How to Work With Your Advisor to Change Majors

Ready to start the process? Schedule some time with your College Advisor. Come prepared for an in-depth discussion:

Bring your college transcript and current course list
Bring the course list for your desired new major
Write down your questions ahead of time

At the time you schedule your meeting, request a Degree Audit or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). This will help you and your Advisor get a full-picture view of your credits, certifications, life experience, and extracurriculars. Together, you can determine if your desired switch and your previous experience are a good match.

Remember that when it comes to changing majors, you’re not alone. Up to 50% of college students will switch majors at least once in their college journey (that number is highest in STEM-related fields.)

With help from your Advisor and a lot of self-searching, we’re confident you’ll make a great choice.

Switching majors, choosing majors, and surviving your adult college experience is what we know best! Join the Back to School Divas Facebook Group to share stories, ask questions, and connect with women who share your experiences.

Ready to switch majors? Get organized and on track with our FREE Back to School Divas planner template. Grab the link when you sign up for our email list.

February 20, 2019February 20, 2019

Is Strayer University For You: Pros & Cons

When it comes to online universities, Strayer University has been making waves. With a spokesperson like Queen Latifah, and commercials airing all the time, it’s hard not to notice them! Read more

When it comes to online universities, Strayer University has been making waves. With a spokesperson like Queen Latifah, and commercials airing all the time, it’s hard not to notice them!

If you’re considering attending one of Strayer University’s online programs, you’ll want to get informed on what the school offers, the tuition prices, and what other students have to say about it.

We’ve got you covered.

We’re here to breakdown the pros and cons of attending Strayer University, so you can determine for yourself what’s best for you.

Strayer University: The Good Stuff

Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid Opportunities

Strayer cites it’s base price per course as $1465. Unlike many schools, Strayer prices per course, rather than per hour. This flat rate doesn’t include fees like lab fees or administrator fees, however.

This rate compares well to some other popular online university tuition fees:

Strayer University: $1,465 per course
University of Phoenix: $1,195 per course
Capella University: $1,062-$2,460 per quarter

When you apply to attend Strayer, a Financial Advisor will walk you through the process of applying for aid. You’ll learn how much you could qualify for, as well as final dues before you start the semester.

PS: You can explore 2019 scholarships you can apply for right now here.

Variety of Online Programs

With options for Certificates, Associate, Graduate and Master’s degrees, Strayer University is competitive in the online college space.

Associates:

Arts in Accounting
Arts in Information Systems
Arts in Acquisition and Contract Management
Arts in Marketing
Arts in Business Administration
Arts in Information Technology

Bachelors:

Science in Accounting
Science in Information Systems
Business Administration
Science in Information Technology
Science in Criminal Justice
Applied Science in Management

Masters:

Education
Science in Health Services Administration
Science in Accounting
Science in Information Systems
Public Administration
Science in Management
Business Administration
Science in Information Assurance
Human Resource Management

Earn Credit For Your Experience

Strayer University takes into account the rich life you’ve already lived. They may accept credit from your previous work and life experience, education and equivalency exams. You can also receive credit for military training and experience.

Good Reputation and High Retention

Compared to some other popular online university’s Strayer University has a positive reputation in the community. You’ll have access to resources including advisors, career development services, and technical support. The retention rate is also reported to be higher than average for online colleges.

Strayer University: The Challenges

Larger Class Sizes

One benefit of online college is the ability to train at your own pace, in a more efficient manner. However, for a popular school like Strayer University, that may not always be the case. Comparison Shop has reported larger-than-average class sizes, which can make it difficult to connect with professors and get the one-on-one help you need.

Difficulty With Financial Aid Department

Some students report challenges communicating with the FA department at Strayer. While there may not be a solid reason for that, many online colleges report these types of concerns.

Is Strayer University a top pick for you, or do you have another school in mind? Let us know in the comments below! You can also check out our review of Phoenix University here!

African American woman smiling wearing cap and gown and holding diploma

Back to School Tips

February 6, 2019February 2, 2019

Am I Too Old to go to Grad School?

There are so many myths about grad school that many of us have heard. There’s the one about how, you should only consider going if you’ll be at a top school otherwise, it’s not going to be worth it (This is a lie). The...

There are so many myths about grad school that many of us have heard.

There’s the one about how, you should only consider going if you’ll be at a top school otherwise, it’s not going to be worth it (This is a lie).

There’s also the myth about how you can only get in with a 4.0 GPA (This is another lie).

But the one that really gets under my skin is the myth that grad school is only for the young.

This particular myth gets under my skin because it couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, statistics show that the average grad school student is actually 33 years old and the number of students who are 35 years and above is on the rise each year.

So if you’ve been thinking about going to grad school but are a bit hesitant because you’re in your thirties or older – I’m here to tell you that now is the time to finally pursue those goals.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re trying to get into a grad school program.

1. Your GRE Scores Are Very Important for Grad School Applications

You’re most likely aware that having a good score on your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is important for any graduate school application. When you’re a little older, these scores can be even more important because they indicate your ability to handle the program you’re interested in.

2. Get Organized & Gain A College Mindset

So, getting into grad school is great and all – but it’s not going to be easy. You’re going to have to reach deep within to realize your goals. One thing you’ll need to start doing is getting organized.

There’ll be classes to attend and research to do, on top of all the day-to-day tasks you have as an adult returning to school. So, make sure that you create a schedule that involves meal prepping, study time, assignments or researching time.

If you want to get organized today, be sure to download the FREE Back to School Divas Planner. You’ll get access to weekly plans, goal sheets, meal planning sheets, and much more.

You may also need to reach out to your significant other or close family and friends for extra help if you have small kids. Set aside specific time over the weekend to get all your studying done. Whatever the plan is, communicate your needs to your loved ones and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

3. Draw From Your Life Experiences in the Classroom

I’m a firm believer in working with what you’ve got. Can you think of one thing that could give you an edge over your younger fellow peers? Your life experiences. The fact that you’ve lived, have worked, and have life experience always comes in handy when in grad school.

Your new college professors will enjoy engaging with someone who can draw from their real life experiences. You can add value to the class discussions. So start viewing your age as an asset you can draw from, Diva!

Going to grad school may have been a dream of yours when you were younger. Maybe you started to slowly let go of this dream because of that annoying perception that graduate school is only for young people.

Well, that’s not true. You’re never too young or too old for school. As long as you feel that your career can benefit from you furthering your studies, go for it Diva! You have nothing to lose and infinite opportunities to gain.

young woman completing application to online college

Uncategorized

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019

Is the University of Phoenix Right for You: Pros & Cons

Earning your degree as a working mom or wife has never been easier. Don’t get me wrong, you’re still going to need to put in a whole lot of time and energy into earning that degree, but a little thing called “technology” has made the process ...

Online classes have been a great savior for many working moms and one of the best institutions to offer a variety of online programs is the University of Phoenix.

University of Phoenix is the largest private University in the United States. Students can apply for any of its many online programs or simply do things the old-fashioned way by attending classes at select campus locations. Since you’re a working mom with tons on your to-do list, you’re probably leaning more towards the earlier option.

What Programs are Available?

The University of Phoenix offers students a variety of courses at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level. Check out their degree programs if your career aspirations are in any of the following fields.

Business & Management
Teacher Education
Social Science
Information Technology
Accounting & Finance

Before settling on the institution, you want to weigh up your pros and cons.

Pros of Attending The University of Phoenix

The Convenience Factor

Online programs make it possible to keep up with all your personal commitments. If you have PTA meetings on Fridays, work presentations on Wednesdays, and your kid’s soccer matches on Thursdays, you can still attend all of these events while also furthering your studies.

You can plan ahead of time as you’ll receive all your course material, assignments, and due dates at the beginning of the course. This convenience will allow you to know when to dedicate time to studying and when you can focus on the other tasks on your long to-do list.

It Doesn’t Matter When You Log On

You can access your online study material at your own convenience and then, when it suits you, join the student discussion forums that will be available for your class. When you join these forums, you can leave a comment that can be read by other students or read through any of the previous discussions. All this is, of course, possible without everyone being online at the same time.

You are also able to set up appointments or phone calls with relevant faculty members as needed.

Tuition Guarantee

It is common knowledge that furthering your studies can be quite costly. The worst part is that tuition goes up every year … except at the University of Phoenix. They have a “tuition guarantee” that will lock your tuition from your program’s start to finish.

This means that if you take a little longer to complete your program, you won’t be affected by increasing tuition. Your tuition will be locked in the moment you register to the University.

This is a great argument to pitch your boss if you’re interested in tuition reimbursement from your employer.

Easily Transfer or Earn Credits

If you’re a transfer from another regionally accredited community college, you can easily transfer those credits to your degree program at the University.

If you don’t have credit, don’t worry about it. There are several avenues that you can use to earn credits.

Cons of Attending The University of Phoenix

Some Degrees Require Hands-on Programs

Not all online programs are made for every career path. For instance, if you would like to be a nurse, then you need clinical experience before you can qualify to work with patients. Because of this, The University of Phoenix gears their nursing program towards registered nurses who are interesting in furthering their studies.

“Team Learning” Component for Each Class

This can be both a pro and a con. learning to collaborate and work in a team will provide you with the necessary skills required to help you work better with your colleagues. But, if any of your team members are slacking, this will affect your grade.

Choosing to go back to school is a great step in helping you achieving your career aspirations. The University of Phoenix might just be the perfect place to get that ball rolling.

If you would like more information, join the Back to School Divas Facebook group! Meet real women who have attended the University and other online colleges you may be interested in.

October 20, 2018October 29, 2018

Must-Follow Life Do’s & Don’ts For Women Going Back to School

The Internet is full of “life hacks” for juggling it all, Diva. Maybe you’ve heard of some th...

Must-Follow Life Do’s & Don’ts For Women Going Back to School

The Internet is full of “life hacks” for juggling it all, Diva. Maybe you’ve heard of some them:

Wake up at 5 AM every day (and never hit snooze!)
Study while you workout so you can knock out two things at once
Forget about music and listen to motivational speeches on your commute

But is all that waking up early and multitasking every aspect of your life really going to help you juggle it all?

As women who have been where you are, we put together a list of real-life do’s and don’ts for going back to school as a woman with enough already on her plate.

DO Wake Up Earlier

Sorry about this one, Divas. It is true: waking up earlier can help you be a better boss at life! In fact, according to Forbes, a 2008 Texas University study showed that “college students who identified themselves as ‘morning people’ earned a full point higher on their GPAs than those who were ‘night owls’ (3.5 vs. 2.5).” The data is in, and it pays to wake up even an hour earlier each day.

DON’T Drink Caffeine All Day

It doesn’t matter if it’s coffee, Red Bull, or pre-workout: having caffeine after about noon is just a no-go.

Researchers from the Sleep Disorders & Research Center at Henry Ford Hospital and Wayne State College of Medicine found that having caffeine even 6 hours before bedtime affected sleep amounts by over an hour. Skip the caffeine and try an energizing 7-minute workout to give yourself a mid-afternoon power boost.

DO Try A Block Schedule

Ever felt like you’re checking email, texting friends, reviewing social media notifications, listening to a lecture and completing an essay all at the same time? You may feel like you’re doing it all, Diva, but multitasking can lead to feelings of overwhelm.

Instead, try a block schedule! With this simple method, you set up blocks of time (in your actual calendar or phone) for certain activities. Here’s an example:

3-3:30 check email
3:30-4:00 draft essay
4:00-4:30 listen to a lecture
4:30-5:00 text, call, and check social media

Everything has a chance to be done at its own time and place! You can relax knowing you’ll get to everything you need to do so that you can focus on one thing at a time.

DON’T Procrastinate

This one’s easier said than done, but there is hope! Waiting until the last minute begs for trouble, stress, and less-than-your-best performance. Set aside even 15 minutes each day before a big deadline to complete one task on a project. Pretty soon you’ll be done!

Let’s say you have a paper due in a week. On Monday, you can find 3 sources. On Tuesday, you can take notes on key points you can use in the paper. Then, on Wednesday, write the thesis and build an outline. On Thursday, write a draft. By Friday, you’ll be breezing through the editing process and hitting “Submit.”

DO Give Yourself A Break

Literally and figuratively speaking, remember to cut yourself some slack! If you know you’re doing your best, try not to feel negative about your productivity. You are worth more than just how much stuff you get done!

Take a break from time to time to watch Netflix, get some sun, or just take a nap. You’re doing great, Diva.

woman professor standing smiling in front of a chalkboard

October 12, 2018December 3, 2018

5 Types of Professors You Meet in College

5 Types of Professors You Meet in College (And How To Handle Them)

First, there's acceptance, tuition, and registration. Buying books and doing homework are time-and-money-consuming enough. But then there’s the issue of your college prof...

5 Types of Professors You Meet in College (And How To Handle Them)

First, there’s acceptance, tuition, and registration. Buying books and doing homework are time-and-money-consuming enough. But then there’s the issue of your college professor.

Whether you’re taking courses in-person or online, you’ll have to deal with them. Your college professor can be your guide and trusted Giver of Wisdom—or they can be an absolute nightmare.

What you learn, how you learn, the depth of your workload, and most importantly YOUR GRADE are all determined by this one person. So. Much. Pressure.

Learn how to deal with the 5 types of college professors you’ll meet on your journey (if you haven’t already!)

1. The Tough Gal (Or Guy)

This is the college professor every college student dreads. Still, the universe wouldn’t be in perfect order if you didn’t have at least one of this professor type.

The Tough Gal assigns two chapter readings and a quiz every week, with no opportunities for extra credit (of course.) “Make it work,” she says in her best Tim Gunn impression.

Her Goal: to force you to prioritize your work and get organized.

How to Deal: get your work done on time, and try to stand out from the class by engaging with her and your classmates (even online.) Get her to see that you’re a real person, with a real life, and she just might have some pity on you.

2. The Absentee

If you have this professor in person, you’ll often see the sign on the door: class canceled. Yay! At least, until the test rolls around. He’s never absent on those days.

Online, this professor never replies to email. Ever. Your questions go unanswered, even while grades still pop up in your Blackboard grade book.

So. Frustrating.

His Goal: skate by on minimum effort, seems like.

How to Deal: do your work, stay under the radar, and reach out to your classmates with any questions you have. You’re all in this together, after all.

3. The Hot Mess

Maybe she’s new. Maybe she has a crazy home life. Whatever the case, this college professor always seems on edge, is always borrowing pens from students, and can never find the lecture notes she needs.

This professor could be brilliant, and yes, she shows up on time—but being in her classroom gives you anxiety.

Her Goal: just make it through the day, honestly.

How to Deal: first and foremost, be kind. You never know what she’s going through! Be conversational when appropriate, and have patience. Oh, and keep extra pens on you at all times.

4. The Genius

This is the college professor of Hollywood. Intelligent, thoughtful, and totally put-together. The Genius is the type who probably wrote your textbook. She sits on the board of nonprofits and spends summer vacation excavating archaeological sites.

She has a lot of wisdom to impart! If you have any interest in her research and subject matter at all, she’s the perfect professor to ask to mentor you.

Her Goal: save the world, and also change the way you see it for the rest of your life.

How to Deal: listen carefully, take lots of notes, and pay attention! Ask her to mentor you if you’re interested, or ask for a recommendation letter. She’s likely highly respected in her field.

5. The One Who Loves Group Projects

Who doesn’t love a good group project? This college professor type REALLY loves them. “Get together, meet people, and explore things in real life!” Sure, we all need to work on our people skills. But does he not realize how hard it is to coordinate a group project online?

Sheesh!

His Goal: improve your communication skills, connect with people, and learn to operate with a team mentality.

How to Deal: Play the role you need to in the group to survive, and be a stand-up person when it comes to meeting deadlines and showing up for activities.

Can you think of any other professor types? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share this post if you enjoyed it.