In the summer of 1990, I found myself facing the inevitable demise of my marriage. I knew that I and, more importantly, my four children deserved a life of more substance and security than my sewing factory job could provide. This awareness caused me to gather my courage and approach the door that would have led to that improved life — but my limited self-image failed me, and I withdrew my hand without entering the building. The seeker within me kept insisting, however, and within a few weeks I did have the courage to open the door and walk into the Administration Building at Utah Valley University, looking for answers to questions I didn’t even know then how to voice.

During the first years of my college experience I attended school in the evenings and continued to work in sewing factories, or in the school lunch program, or in whatever job I could get that allowed me the time and energy also to attend classes. After watching me struggle to financially support my family and continue attending classes, a blessed friend and her husband took us into their home and helped support us during those first few years of my college education. In that household there were eight children (ages 12-18) who kept us all busy and learning together. The kids would often share homework space with me, and we would encourage each other to accomplish whatever task was assigned.

By August of 1996 I had completed an associate degree and was working full-time for the student newspaper. My tuition waiver benefit made college possible for my daughters Hillary and Melissa, who both graduated from this institution and went on to earn master’s degrees. My son Matthew joined the U.S. Army in 1999, and he has completed a bachelor’s degree through a college that works closely with soldiers. As I pursued my own educational goals, my second son, Sean, traversed the rocky terrain of opioid addiction. After many years of self-destructive behavior, I am grateful today to say that he is now pursuing a much better life.

Thirteen years after first embarking on the journey to obtain a degree (completing a few courses per semester), I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in English. My children and my mother were in attendance at my graduation in 2004. I completed a Master of Arts degree at Sofia University in 2015. I am still the only member of my family of origin who has accomplished this goal, and the ripple effect from my education continues to expand. My children and their children can clearly see their educational goals as obtainable.

 I presently work as an academic advisor for the UVU English and Literature Department. I will always be eternally grateful for the way my educational journey unfolded. I will never forget the faculty and staff who supported me along the way and the significant role Utah Valley University has played in my life.