Donna M. Umstead Memorial Work Ethic Scholarship

Embarking on my first semester with an ambitious 18-credit hour course load, the very first question posed was a straightforward inquiry: "Are you sure you can manage this?" Undeterred, my response was resolute and unwavering: "Absolutely!" The underlying concern behind this question was evident, considering the multitude of responsibilities that I had willingly shouldered. Not only was I navigating through a demanding academic workload, but I also maintained a demanding full-time position as a Branch Manager at a local Credit Union. In addition, I proudly operated my own business, specializing in breeding reptiles and rodents, all while fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of a parent to four children. The key to my success lies in effective time management. Establishing a meticulous routine and strategically planning my evenings and weekends became paramount in ensuring my ability to excel academically and professionally. A typical evening in my life involved my husband taking charge of dinner preparations while I engaged in homework sessions with my children. Following dinner, it was my responsibility to attend to the cleaning and care of the snakes and rodents integral to my business. Setting a goal to work on assignments from at least two classes each night became my nightly ritual, leaving little room for the luxury of early bedtime. Weekends unfolded as a delicate balance between tending to the needs of my business—cleaning and feeding rodents and snakes—and fulfilling academic obligations. My mornings were dedicated to caring for the animals, while afternoons and evenings were consumed by an intensive focus on academic assignments. Gratefully, I encountered understanding professors who recognized and accommodated the unique challenges I faced due to my myriad responsibilities. They willingly worked with me, allowing flexibility in terms of Zoom meetings and calls that were occasionally required. This support proved invaluable in maintaining the delicate equilibrium between my professional, academic, and personal commitments. My role as a Branch Manager demanded significant time and effort and provided me with invaluable experience essential for future career trajectories. Pursuing further education, with the goal of obtaining both my bachelor’s and eventually my MBA, emerges as the pathway to realizing my aspirations in the banking industry. More specifically, I aspire to secure a position in upper management within the risk, anti-money laundering, and compliance sector, and my educational journey serves as the conduit to achieving this dream. The focused curriculum associated with my bachelor’s degree in business promises continued learning and growth, enhancing my capabilities as a business owner and augmenting the overall success of my entrepreneurial venture. Every step on this journey converges towards the overarching goal of personal and professional growth, cultivating the foundation for a more successful future. As I navigate through the intricacies of my demanding life, each endeavor, whether academic or professional, contributes to the realization of my aspirations and propels me toward an even more triumphant future.