Tag: adult learner

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‘What If It Goes Right?’ Faeryn’s Journey as an Adult Learner

27 May

Faeryn’s journey is one of remarkable perseverance and rediscovered potential.

She returned to college after many years away from the classroom, unsure of what to expect. Today, she’s not only thriving academically, she’s landed on the Dean’s List and is confidently pursuing a psychology degree with aspirations to become a trauma-informed therapist for teens. What changed? According to Faeryn, the structured pace of taking one class at a time and the personal support she received through myFootpath made all the difference. “The work isn’t easy,” she shared, “but it’s manageable. Once I realized I could do it, it became easier. That surprised me.”

Faeryn was hesitant to return to school, having not excelled in her previous educational journey, but she found herself supported at every step of the way, from navigating college systems to managing coursework around her life. “Having someone there to guide me through the process and check in along the way helped me believe I could do it,” she said. For Faeryn, school is no longer a source of stress but a place where her strengths are emerging and her future is taking shape.

One of the most inspiring parts of Faeryn’s story is her advice to others: “If there’s even a small part of you thinking about going back to school, that means there’s a part of you that believes in yourself. Listen to it.” She encourages prospective students to say “What if it goes right?” - a mindset shift that has fueled her success. Despite juggling school, work, and kids, Faeryn credits simple time management, such as blocking out two days a week for coursework, as key to staying on track.

Faeryn’s story is proof that with the right support and a manageable path forward, adult learners can exceed even their own expectations. At myFootpath, we’re honored to walk alongside students like Faeryn as they reclaim their education.

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Categories: News & Research, Students, Uncategorized
adult learner

Ashley’s Return to School: How One Adult Learner is Reclaiming Her Education

18 Apr

When Ashley decided to return to college as an adult learner, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Like many students who step back into the world of higher education, she had questions. How would she pay for school? Would she have support as an online student? Was this even the right time?

What she didn’t expect was a call that would change everything.

Ashley had been exploring scholarships online when she received a call from a Graduation Specialist. At first, she was skeptical - "What’s the catch?" she remembers thinking. But as the specialist explained the program - dedicated guidance, academic support, help navigating her classes - she realized this was something different.

“They said, ‘We stick with you every step of the way,’” Ashley recalls. “And I thought, wait, there’s really a program that helps you like this?”

That moment sparked the beginning of a new chapter.

Ashley enrolled in an online program, pursuing a degree in Health Information Technology. Already working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she felt drawn to the healthcare field, but wanted to challenge herself intellectually and grow into an administrative role.

“I love caring for people,” she said. “But I also wanted to stimulate my mind and use my skills in a different way.”

Like many adult learners, Ashley brings real-world experience into her virtual classrooms. She’s found that her background gives her a unique perspective, especially in classes like medical terminology. And while online learning comes with its own challenges, Ashley has learned how to manage her time, plan ahead, and stay disciplined.

“The hardest part is you’re not in front of the instructor,” she said. “But if you need help, there’s always someone to reach out to. That’s the best part. You’re never alone.”

Ashley is one of thousands of students proving that it’s never too late to return to school, and that with the right support system, success is more than possible. Whether it’s through graduation specialists checking in, professors responding to questions, or campus resources like tutoring and career services, students like Ashley are discovering that education doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

“When I first heard about all the help I could get, I was shocked,” she said. “But now I know it’s real.”

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Categories: News & Research, Students
adult learner

From Stop-out to Dean’s List: Jennifer’s Return to College

12 Feb

Going back to school can be a daunting decision for many, especially when life presents unexpected challenges. For Jennifer, the journey to complete her bachelor’s degree was not only about academic achievement, but also about overcoming personal hurdles and making the most of opportunities that arose along the way.

The Decision to Return to School

Jennifer's motivation to return to school stemmed from a deep desire to finish what she had started. After facing financial barriers, she almost gave up on her dream of earning a degree. But just when things seemed uncertain, a turning point came when she received a phone call from a Graduation Specialist at myFootpath.

With guidance and support, Jennifer was able to obtain her transcripts from her previous school, get set up with the right program, and quickly and easily enroll.

A Journey of Resilience

Jennifer’s story is about more than just academic success—it's about perseverance in the face of adversity. Along with balancing her schoolwork, she faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Despite dealing with this diagnosis along with mental health challenges, Jennifer remained determined to keep her education a priority. She discovered that even with everything going on in her life, maintaining a high GPA was possible.

In fact, Jennifer’s resilience paid off in a big way: not only did she find herself on the Dean’s List, but she also earned a scholarship for her hard work. The scholarship was a huge milestone, and her response was a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. For Jennifer, this was a testament to her unwavering belief that her hard work would eventually pay off.

Time Management and Balancing Life

Balancing school, motherhood, and personal challenges has been a key focus for Jennifer. Her time management strategy revolves around making the most of the moments when she has a break—whether it’s during her child’s nap or when her family can help out. She’s learned to adapt to her life circumstances and remain flexible with her study routine.

Jennifer is quick to point out that while juggling everything can be tough, it’s all about making education a priority. She advocates for breaking down tasks into manageable steps and avoiding dwelling on challenges, instead using them as motivation to push forward. Her advice is simple: find balance and stay focused on your goals.

Her mantra? “If you can believe it, you will achieve it.” This mindset has been the driving force behind her accomplishments, both in education and in life.

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Categories: Students
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