Years ago, I set out to earn a degree with the goal of becoming a teacher. As life evolved, so did my focus. I shifted toward completing an English degree with a writing emphasis, intentionally choosing a path that allowed the credits and coursework I had already completed to transfer and require as little additional coursework as possible. Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of my control, I wasn’t able to finish the program within the required timeframe.
Recently, a lot of people have asked me why I chose to go back to school and finally earn my degree. The answer isn’t just one thing, it’s a collection of realizations, persistence, and personal growth.
For one, I’m currently paying a significant loan bill, and it felt awfully wasteful not to have a degree to show for the price tag. More than that, I’ve always believed in finishing what I start. Even though I wasn’t able to complete the classes I originally took, and paid for, I was able to enroll in three new courses and ultimately earn my English degree. I was so close. Being just three classes away felt both impossibly far and yet completely within reach. I could see the finish line; I just needed to cross it.
Earning my bachelor’s degree was also an important step for my future. Any form of continued education requires that foundation and completing it opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. It wasn’t just about checking a box; it was about giving myself options and honoring the work I had already put in.
Most importantly, I was able to do this because the team here at Preference is incredibly encouraging, supportive, and goal oriented. Preference has given me the flexibility and support needed to complete online courses while continuing to grow professionally. That kind of environment makes a difference, one that I don’t take lightly.
At the heart of it all, I did this for me. As I continue to learn and grow, I’ve come to understand that growth requires grace. I need to allow myself room to fail, to fall down, and to pick myself back up and try again. Preference has given me a lot in just a few short years, but more than anything, this job has given me room to grow and learn.
We are truly never done learning in this life. I’m incredibly grateful for the encouragement, support, and inspiration that helped me accomplish this goal and for the reminder that sometimes, finishing what you start simply means finding your way back.
