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.

My most significant achievement in this lifetime is demonstrating to my children that, despite facing challenges, one can achieve their goals. After high school, I entered the banking industry as a teller. Parenthood and my career intertwined seamlessly, with the birth of my first child occurring within a year of graduating. As a young mother aspiring to make something of herself, the demands led me to withdraw from the local community college, prioritizing child-rearing and career growth. Little did I know, education would become pivotal for my future success. Over the subsequent decade, I steadily progressed in my career, accumulating promotions. Yet, the pursuit of formal education remained on hold as I navigated the delicate balance of work and raising my three children. In 2016, after a divorce, I found myself starting anew. Within months, I embraced the role of Branch Manager at a local Credit Union, prompting a shift in focus. I set a personal goal to return to school. In the spring of 2020, during a planned break to spend time with my now four children, the unforeseen arrival of COVID-19 reshaped our lives. As schools closed, my children adapted to online learning, and I took a leave from work. It was during this period that I decided to return to school. While my children grappled with the changes, I simultaneously juggled admissions paperwork and FAFSA applications. I assured them that soon enough, I would be joining them in this new learning environment. By August 2020, as my children returned to a modified brick-and-mortar setup, I embarked on a full class load at Hillsborough Community College, continuing to work as a Branch Manager. Evenings were dedicated to shared homework sessions, test preparations, and late-night Zoom meetings with professors and peers. My children witnessed firsthand that if Mom could manage all this, so could they. Celebrations ensued when I made the Dean’s List, aced exams, and ultimately graduated in 2021 – accomplishments we rejoiced in together. Today, I am happily remarried, continuing to learn in my role as Branch Manager, and contemplating the next steps in my career. This juncture demands further education for continued growth. I understand that this next phase will require sacrifice and dedication, not only from me but also from my children. My teenage boys eloquently expressed, "Mom, if your dream is to excel in this job and you need more school to do it, then what are you waiting for?" While my children didn't choose my career path, my journey would not be the same without them. I persevere in pursuing my dreams, illustrating to them that with determination, anything is possible. As future achievements unfold, we will continue to celebrate together, reinforcing the lesson that persistence and resilience lead to success.

Education is often portrayed as a linear trajectory, where individuals seamlessly progress from high school to college and beyond. However, my educational journey defies this conventional narrative, as at almost thirty-six years old, I find myself returning to school with a renewed sense of purpose. My goal is to complete my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration on management, marking a significant chapter in a story characterized by resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of a momentarily deferred dream. In 2006, I graduated from Riverview High School, filled with eagerness to embark on the next chapter of my life. I enrolled at a local community college while simultaneously embracing a full-time role as a teller at Bank of America. At that youthful age, life seemed figured out, but unforeseen challenges emerged – the responsibilities of a young family, my own youth, and the demands of a burgeoning career. Faced with the stark realities of life, I made the difficult decision to put my education on hold, a choice that later became my first regret. This moment served as a pivotal realization, underscoring the importance of foresight and planning for the future. Over subsequent years, I devoted myself to my career, steadily ascending the professional ladder, ultimately achieving the position of Branch Manager at a local Credit Union. The disruptive year of 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, became a turning point. A renewed sense of purpose and the drive to reclaim the educational path I had temporarily abandoned led me to re-enroll in college. In May 2021, I earned my A.A. degree with a concentration in Psychology, reaching new heights by making the Dean's List – a testament to my commitment and perseverance. Now, at St. Petersburg College, I am pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on management. Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge my only other regret – not obtaining an A.S. in Business initially. This oversight necessitates undertaking additional core courses, a challenge I am ready to face head-on. My goal is to complete my degree in less than two years, setting the stage for the pursuit of an MBA with a concentration on compliance, risk, and anti-money laundering at the University of South Florida. As I navigate this academic endeavor, my motivation stems from within. Clear career goals drive me, and I recognize that my current lack of education poses a barrier to their attainment. Supported by my husband and children, I am confident in overcoming obstacles and achieving the milestones I've set. This journey isn't solely about personal success; it's about imparting a crucial lesson to my children – that age should never limit aspirations, and with determination, any goal is achievable. Looking ahead, I envision obtaining certifications aligned with my career path, including the coveted CAMS certification. These certifications will not only enhance my professional capabilities but also underscore my commitment to continuous learning and development. I am driven by the belief that education is a lifelong pursuit, and each milestone achieved is a step toward personal and professional fulfillment. In conclusion, my journey as a non-traditional student underscores the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. Overcoming challenges, redefining goals, and embracing the pursuit of knowledge have shaped my narrative. As I chart my course towards a Business Administration degree, I am not only fulfilling a personal dream but also paving the way for future generations to believe in the infinite possibilities of education. My story is one of tenacity, growth, and the unwavering belief that it is never too late to chase your dreams.