Project Working Mom:
Putting Education to Work

My name is Melissa H.  I am 38 years old.  My story goes something like this:  After high school, I thought that I wasn’t ready for college.  I moved to another state with the man who would soon become my husband.  When we came back home I took a few courses at a traditional university and then life took hold.  We had two children and we moved to a rural area.  When the kids were small I decided to become a nurse.  There was an LPN program at a community college nearby and I enrolled and did well.  Two years later at the same community college I took courses to become an RN.  The courses were offered over a closed circuit television and the practical portion was done 90 miles away. I graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing. I’ve been working as an RN in a rural Emergency Department ever since.

Then about 3 years ago I decided to further my education by obtaining my bachelor’s of science in nursing.  The community college I attended earlier does not offer a bachelor’s degree so I had to look elsewhere.  As I said earlier, I live in a rural area.  The nearest metropolitan area is about 65 miles away.  I am divorced and working full time.  The thought of adding a commute to my schedule was unthinkable.  It would also be difficult for me to change my work schedule to accommodate a school schedule.  It was after much thought that I realized that online learning would be the most practical solution for my situation.

I researched my options and settled on the university that offered all the courses online and the practical portions in the students’ area.  It didn’t hurt that my dream in college had been to attend this prestigious university.  And so it goes that I am now in the final stages of my degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.

My children are now 13 and 17 with tons of activities and commitments.  I’m a fairly new homeowner making improvements, and a social butterfly to boot.  Online learning gives me enough freedom to continue my commitments, while providing me with the education I desire.