Mother of 4 Finally Graduates US University 10yrs After Dropping Out, Bags Masters Degree

Cursory: Alicia Hernandez, a mother of four, recently graduated with a master’s degree from Mercer University in the US, a decade after initially dropping out. Her journey reflects perseverance and inspires others to pursue lifelong learning despite obstacles. See full article below…

Alicia Hernandez, a mother of four, recently completed her master’s degree at Mercer University in the United States, a decade after she left her studies. Originally from Mexico, Alicia moved to the United States at the age of three. Growing up, she often found herself in the role of translator for her parents, who were not literate. As a result, Alicia had to navigate her schoolwork largely on her own, as her parents were unable to assist with subjects like English or history.

“Even in the lower grades, they weren’t really able to help me unless it was just like maybe addition or simple math problems. But as far as writing goes or anything that had to do with English or history or anything like that, they weren’t able to help,” she said.

Her original intention was to pursue a two-year degree in Accounting, but upon starting her classes, she discovered a deep enjoyment for learning. “I enjoyed going to school. I enjoyed the homework. I enjoyed meeting new people, as well,” she said.

Despite her desire to continue her education at a four-year institution, Alicia encountered various obstacles. Although she had accumulated enough credits from Lanier Technical College to facilitate her transfer to a four-year school, she lacked motivation.

Alicia attributed this to her exhaustion from juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, full-time employment, and providing for her four children single-handedly. “I decided to take a break. I was only planning on taking a semester off, and that semester turned into more. This is why it took me like 10 years to complete it,” she explained.

However, in 2019, Alicia returned to DeVry University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with a concentration in Accounting. Subsequently, she embarked on a decade-long journey as a Staff Accountant at the Georgia School Boards Association in Lawrenceville.

Alicia credited her tenure there with igniting her passion for education, prompting her to explore master’s degree programs. During her research, she discovered Mercer University and engaged with a counselor who provided comprehensive information about the program.

“He was telling me everything I needed to know, asking me questions about where I wanted to go career-wise, how I wanted to use this degree,”she recalled. With unwavering support from her workplace and her family, Alicia took the step to enroll in the program.

she said. Alicia said with support from her job and her family, she was able to enroll in the program.

She admitted to grappling with imposter syndrome, frequently doubting her place in academia. Yet, her children served as a tremendous source of encouragement, consistently sending uplifting messages that motivated her to persevere. Alicia successfully attained her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Mercer University, with her dissertation focusing on “Nontraditional Students in Higher Education,” reflecting her personal experiences and apprehensions.

With her newfound qualification, Alicia aspires to establish a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting vulnerable students, ensuring their retention in educational institutions and facilitating their pursuit of higher education.

Credits: ALLSCHOOL, scholarshipregion

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