My name is Whitney Henning and I am a 46 year old single female looking for a purpose in life. Growing up, my mother and I moved from Wisconsin to Georgia when I was 5 and then back to Wisconsin when I was 16. Coming from a divorced family, I wasn't brought up thinking about wanting to attend college, never thought I could afford the tuition. My mother raised me alone, she worked 3 jobs so we had a roof over our heads. As I got older, I saw how hard she worked to raise me and this showed me how to have a great work ethic. I spent my earlier years working at various jobs, which only paid the bills. Since I never settled down to have a family of my own, I have spent many days/nights asking myself "what's my purpose in life?". That question had my brain travelling along a dark path, I started to feel lost and depressed. I understood these feelings and knew that something was missing from my life. In January of 2024, I decided this was my year to change for a more beautiful positive life. At this time a few more questions came into mind, "can an older person like me still attend college?", "can I get financial aid?". As I began to research the answers to these simple questions, I found that, yes, I could go to college and I would receive some financial help. Next step I took was to find the right online college for what I had interests in learning. Once I read about DeVry University and what they offer, I knew this was the right path to take. So, immediately I picked up the phone and spoke to a knowledgeable Student Advisor. I can't express enough how nervous and elated I was, tears of joy and fear rushed through body. I chose to study Computer Science, to keep up with today's Technology. Learning about this industry will secure my future career in this new world. Since March of 2024, I have become more determined and confident every day. I feel being an older student, this was the right time for me to attend college. I would tell anyone, if they asked, to wait until they are mentally ready to start college. After decades of feeling unworthy and lost, I have finally found my purpose in life. I am determined and strong willed to succeed.