Nicole Coffman
I began college directly out of high school, working towards a bachelor's degree. My oldest daughter was only one year old at the time. It was a long, six-year journey with many obstacles and changes along the way. I got married in May of 2002 and gave birth to my second daughter in June of 2003. Meanwhile, I continued to attend college full-time. Then, in October of 2004, my husband was killed in a car accident which left me as a single mother of two children under the age of six years old. Though our family was devastated, I knew that my daughter's had only me to depend on and that I must complete my degree. Finally, in May of 2006, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
During the last two years, I have been working in the heath care industry which is actually where I gained all of my previous work experience. Although I have an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, I found that the opportunities in the field were not conducive to my changed lifestyle. Realizing that, and with the changes in the economy over the last year, I came to the conclusion that the only way to provide a better quality of life for my daughters and I is to earn a higher degree in my current field.
I have been an active member of the Southern Maryland Community for over four years. I have served as a cheerleading coach for the Waldorf Wildcats Youth Organization for three years coaching young girls ages 5 to 12 years old. In addition to that, I often volunteer at my daughters schools and have assisted in fundraising events for both the schools and the Youth organization. My daughters have both been involved in numerous extra-curricular activities including Waldorf Soccer League, Elite Gymnastics, Flips Gym & Cheer Center, Sharons Studio of Dance, and Julie Rayles dance studio, all of which I have been actively involved. I pride myself on making a contribution to the world in any small way that I can.
By earning an MBA/Masters in Heath Care Administration degree, I will not only have 10 years experience in the field to offer a potential employer, but I will have an advanced degree which will together put me in high demand in this industry. And as we all know, being in high demand means a greater earning potential. The only obstacle in my way at this point is funding my education. Being a single mother in today's world does not leave much opportunity for savings or any other "extras." It is my goal and firm belief that this degree will be the key to becoming financially secure and in turn, will provide a better life for myself and my children.
While working full-time, volunteering in my community, and keeping up with my two daughter's various extra-curricular and school activities, I have very little time to actually attend class on campus. I earned my bachelor's degree almost completely online and therefore, I am confident that I will succeed in the same way with my master's degree.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.