My Non-Traditional Graduate Story

My Story

 I first attempted college as your typical fresh from high school 18 year old took a full load and while I did well that first semester I soon found myself struggling academically to the point i was getting acadmic warnings and talks of being suspended if my grades didn't improve so when I was 22 much to the disappointment of my parents I made the choice to drop out fast forward 7 years I'd moved to Nevada from my home state of Washington where I had first attempted college after my marraige ended and had found not just a job but a career at UNLV that afforded me the opportunity to return to school on my terms so in January 2019 I enrolled at CSN as a part time student fast foward to summer of 2024 I started the jouney at UNLV for my bachelors at UNLV 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 Being disabled (paralegic) transportation and finances have been a struggle and finding that UNLV did not have many scholarships or grants for NT students. My greatest accomplishment besides finishing college is becoming co-president of ANTS in my final semester at UNLV 

My Plan

 I have a few avenues I'm currently exploring but I'm looking to use it to help shape the future of disabled and non traditional students at UNLV like myself. Getting this degree opens high paying positions an experiences 

My Advice  

 Do the thing get the degree you are never to old and be proud that you got an associates degree before this so many will tell you its not something to be proud of or its just a piece of paper don't listen you put in the hours, days weeks, months and years to get that "piece of paper" own it and celebrate it 

My Plan

 Hope to enter the policy space with the city or state. 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 That I did it! I have 3 high schoolers at home and a full-time job 

My Advice  

 Your experience is what you make it.

 You can do it! Utilize all of the resources available to you! 

My Story

 In December of 2019, I proudly watched my two sons cross the stage at Thomas and Mack. Their class was the last to graduate before the world was put on hold by the COVID pandemic. In the days that followed, the isolation was torturous, and I thought it might be interesting to take a single online class. That class led to many others, and before I knew it, my advisor and I were discussing the transfer of credits from several decades earlier. This was an opportunity to complete something I had left unfinished long ago, and just as important, a chance to walk the walk that I had preached to my own two Rebels about the importance of higher education, finishing what you've started, and perseverance. 

My Plan

 I have been in the Hospitality and Leisure Travel industry for over ten years and look forward to transitioning into Educational and Cultural Heritage Tourism

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 The daily obligations of full-time employment, along with health challenges, tested my organizational skills and made this experience the ultimate exercise in time management. 

My Advice  

 Your experience is what you make it.

 You can do it! Utilize all of the resources available to you! 

My Story 

 I am a first-generation, international, nontraditional student currently navigating a transitional period in my life and career. My previous professional background was in accounting, but I am now pursuing a dual degree at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Systems. I originally pursued only a BSBA in Finance; however, after joining the university and recognizing how rapidly the world is changing, I expanded my studies to include Information Systems. I made this decision to broaden my knowledge and skill set, understanding that nearly every industry and career path will increasingly intersect with artificial intelligence, technology, and data driven decision making. By combining finance with information systems, I am positioning myself to adapt, contribute, and thrive in an evolving global workforce. 

My Plan

 Entering the FinTech field 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 Returning to a school environment after spending many years in the workforce required a significant adjustment. It was not only a shift in mindset, but also a major change in how I structured my time and responsibilities. Balancing life as a full time student while also being a mother presented challenges that I had to learn to manage and overcome with discipline, resilience, and determination. During my time at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I have consistently maintained a full course load of 12 to 15 credits each semester. I am especially proud to have earned and maintained a GPA above 3.0, which has led to academic recognition, including a Certificate for Outstanding Academic Achievement from the Alliance of Professionals of African Heritage and placement on the Dean’s List. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to academic excellence despite the responsibilities and obstacles I have faced along the way 

My Advice  

 Do it!! It's never too late. 

My Story

 Returning to college as a nontraditional student was one of the most challenging and meaningful decisions I have ever made. I came back to school as an adult with far more life responsibilities than I had the first time around. I was not just balancing classes. I was balancing work, family obligations, financial pressure, and the emotional weight that many adult learners carry when they decide to begin again. That experience changed me personally and academically. Personally, I had to rebuild my confidence. Returning to college after time away can make you question whether you still belong in academic spaces, whether you are too late, or whether you can keep up. Over time, I learned that being a nontraditional student was not a weakness. It was a strength. I brought maturity, discipline, perspective, and a deeper sense of purpose to my studies. Academically, I grew tremendously. I became more organized, more focused, and more intentional with my time. I learned how to advocate for myself, ask questions, seek support, and push through even when life outside the classroom was difficult. I did not just develop as a student. I developed as a person. The personal strengths I had to build were resilience, persistence, time management, self-discipline, and faith in my own ability to finish what I started. Campus resources, faculty support, and the encouragement I received along the way helped me continue moving forward, especially during the moments when the path felt overwhelming.

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 As a nontraditional student, the biggest obstacles were balancing multiple roles at once while still trying to perform well academically. Many NTS students are not just students. We are employees, parents, caregivers, and people carrying real-life responsibilities that do not pause for deadlines or exams. There were moments of exhaustion, stress, self-doubt, and pressure. There were times when continuing felt incredibly difficult. At the same time, there were also major triumphs. Every semester completed, every challenge pushed through, and every academic success meant more because of what it took to get there. My greatest accomplishment was not just earning good grades. It was staying the course and continuing to move forward despite everything I had to manage outside of school. Finishing this journey as a nontraditional student is something I carry with deep pride because I know exactly what it took to get here. 

My Plan

 I plan to use my degree to continue growing professionally in education and in service-oriented work that creates real impact for children and families. Earning this degree is not just about a credential for me. It represents years of sacrifice, perseverance, and long-term commitment to building a better future. This degree affects my family in a very real way because it represents stability, opportunity, and a legacy of perseverance. It shows my child and the people around me that it is never too late to return to school, change direction, and finish something important. Professionally, it strengthens my qualifications, expands my options, and opens doors that would not have been available to me otherwise 

My Experience

 My experience as a nontraditional student at UNLV has shown me that students with unconventional paths belong here too. Nontraditional students bring determination, life experience, and a level of purpose that is powerful in the classroom and beyond. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to continue my education and work toward this milestone. I would also say that support for nontraditional students matters deeply. Being seen, encouraged, and recognized makes a difference. Sometimes adult learners are quietly carrying enormous loads while still showing up and doing the work. That is why opportunities like this matter. They remind us that our journey counts too. 

My Advice  

 My advice would be this: do not count yourself out just because your path looks different. You do not have to do college in the traditional timeline for your success to matter. Start where you are. Be honest about your responsibilities, but do not let fear convince you that you are not capable. Give yourself grace, but do not let yourself quit. Use the resources available to you. Ask for help when you need it. Stay organized. Take it one assignment, one class, and one semester at a time. Most of all, remember why you came back. That reason will carry you on the days motivation is nowhere to be found 

My Story

 I returned to school to fulfill a goal I had of obtaining a bachelor's degree. Personally, it was a challenge because I wasn't too sure of the financial predicament I would be in and I had to really decide if this is what I wanted to do. Academically, I wanted to graduate with honors, and I had to eliminate procrastination when it came to studying and assignments. One of the strengths I had to develop was taking notes. As an online student, it sometimes felt like I had to teach myself. 

My Plan

 I plan to use my degree to continue assisting my community 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 At times, it was challenging as an NTS because I wasn't technologically proficient. Also, when attending events, many students are younger than you, and you have to remember that you're right where you need to be. My greatest accomplishment was becoming a member of a couple of RSOs and graduating with a high GPA. 

My Experience at UNLV

 It has been great knowing that others understand the challenge of being an NTS. 

My Advice  

It's okay to be afraid of making a change, but ultimately, you are the reason why you should return and fulfill your dreams and desires of a college education. 

My Story  

As a returning student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I had to develop a strong sense of discipline and time management in order to balance academics with the responsibilities I carried outside of school. Being older and navigating college alongside family obligations required me to be intentional with how I used my time, often studying in small windows throughout the day and staying organized to meet deadlines. This experience strengthened my ability to prioritize tasks, remain focused under pressure, and follow through on long-term goals. I also developed resilience and adaptability. Returning to a classroom environment after time away meant rebuilding confidence, learning new systems, and pushing through moments of doubt. Instead of letting those challenges hold me back, I learned to advocate for myself, seek support when needed, and stay committed even when things felt overwhelming. These strengths not only helped me succeed academically but also shaped me into a more confident and determined individual prepared for life beyond college.

My Plan

 I will continue my education by pursuing my master's degree in Emergency and Crisis Management 

My Experiences at UNLV

 My greatest accomplishment has been earning my degree while raising a family and staying actively involved on campus. Returning to University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a nontraditional student meant balancing academics with motherhood, leadership roles, and everyday responsibilities, often with limited time and energy. Despite those challenges, I remained committed, pushed through moments of doubt, and continued showing up for both my education and my family. This journey has not only strengthened my discipline and resilience, but it has also allowed me to model perseverance and determination for my children, making this achievement meaningful both personally and academically. 

My Advice  

 If you are a nontraditional student thinking about returning to college, my biggest advice is to trust that you are more capable than you think and that your life experience is a strength, not a setback. Going back to school may feel overwhelming at first, especially when you are balancing responsibilities like work or family, but success comes from consistency, not perfection. Take it one step at a time, stay organized, and do not be afraid to ask for help or use the resources available to you. Build a support system, whether that is classmates, professors, or family, and remind yourself why you started. There will be challenging moments, but if you stay committed and keep showing up, you will grow in ways you never expected and prove to yourself that it is never too late to invest in your future 

My Story

 Returning to college became a defining moment of self-discovery for me. I began my academic journey at a community college in Northern California before making the bold decision to move to Las Vegas and pursue UNLV’s renowned Hospitality Management program. Although I initially started as a psychology major, I soon realized that my true passion lies in hospitality, which led me to make the switch. At one point, I never imagined I would excel in college, let alone graduate, but I proved that doubt wrong by earning five associate degrees and now working toward my Bachelor of Science. My move to Las Vegas has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Shortly aŌer arriving, I met my husband, built meaningful friendships, worked on unique events (EDC, F1, UNLVino, and numerous conferences and conventions), and formed lifelong bonds with my sorority sisters. Along the way, I’ve experienced moments I will cherish forever. Through this journey, I’ve not only strengthened my academic foundation but also developed valuable professional skills that continue to shape who I am today. Some of the resources on campus that really helped me out were the food pantry, Trio, Caps, the Lied library, the Power Program, clubs and organizations, Aramark, my academic advisor, Amanda, and the School of Hospitality for offering unique opportunities and services to their students 

My Advice  

My advice to non-traditional students thinking about returning to college is simple: just take the leap. It won’t always be easy; there will be moments that challenge you, stretch you, and push you beyond what feels comfortable, but that’s where the growth happens. Going back to school is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about rediscovering your potential, building confidence, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you once believed. Along the way, you’ll grow not only academically, but also personally and professionally. There’s no “perfect” time to start, and you don’t have to have everything figured out. What matters most is taking that first step and staying committed to your journey

My Story

 I began college as what I would describe as a “typical” student, expecting a fairly straightforward academic journey. However, during my freshman year, everything changed when I became severely ill and was ultimately diagnosed with lupus. From that point forward, my college experience was defined not by predictability, but by resilience. Managing a chronic illness while maintaining my academic standing at University of Nevada, Las Vegas required me to develop a level of discipline, adaptability, and mental strength that I had never needed before. There were periods of intense fatigue, pain, and uncertainty, yet I remained committed to my goals. I learned how to advocate for myself, manage my time with precision, and push forward even when circumstances were not in my favor. Despite these ongoing health challenges, I was able to not only stay in good academic standing but also graduate in just three years. This accomplishment reflects both my determination and my ability to persevere through adversity. Through this experience, I strengthened qualities such as resilience, selfdiscipline, and perseverance—traits that will continue to guide me in my future endeavors. Campus resources played an important role in my journey. Support systems such as academic advising and disability support services provided the structure and flexibility I needed to succeed during difficult periods. These resources, combined with my own determination, allowed me to navigate challenges without losing sight of my long-term goals. Today, I am proud to say that I will be attending law school this fall. My experiences have not only shaped who I am academically, but also deepened my sense of purpose and commitment to overcoming obstacles —no matter how unexpected they may be. 

My Plan

 I will be attending law school this upcoming fall. I hope to use my degree to make a true difference in as many lives as I can. Through advocacy and education, I feel I will be able to do just that! This degree gives me much more freedom to follow my passions and maintain stability whilst doing so. 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 As a nontraditional student, my biggest obstacle was managing a chronic illness after being diagnosed with lupus during my freshman year. Balancing unpredictable health challenges with a full academic workload required constant adaptability, discipline, and resilience. Despite these obstacles, I was able to turn my experience into motivation. My greatest accomplishments include earning Latin honors, consistently making the Dean’s List, completing competitive internships, and ultimately gaining acceptance into a top 50 law school. Graduating in just three years while navigating these challenges stands as my proudest achievement. 

My Advice  

 My advice to any nontraditional student returning to college is to go at your own pace and stay committed to your goals. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Use the resources available to you at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, ask for help when needed, and trust your resilience. Challenges don’t mean you can’t succeed. They’re often what make you stronger. Every struggle is worth it, in the end. 

My Story

 When I started this doctoral pursuit in educational leadership, I WAS an elementary principal running a school of 800+ students and staff and the primary caretaker for my 86 year old mother. I had to effectively manage my time to study, attend classes, and lead my school. I found a good rhythm and discovered that I could get my best work done while my mom watched football loudly in the next room.       Midway through my program, I semi-retired which was good for my health and mental well-being. It was odd being in a program designed to create stronger school leaders when I was no longer a school leader. My departure made me question my purpose and my identity - I had to overcome some stigmas about myself and my next steps during this time. I left the safety net of my former position to work at a non-profit where I was unexpectedly let go because of budgetary constraints.       It was during this time of unemployment and rest that I was able to fully engage myself (again) in the student experience here at UNLV. I was an active ANTS member as well as on the board of The Food Tasting Club. I found myself on campus more than when I actually had to attend classes. I served as a peer mentor with the College of Education and attended GPSA meetings. I even hung out frequently in the Graduate Commons at the library.       

This time  away from work also afforded quality time with my mom. We would go on little adventures together and binge-watch tv (she really liked thrillers - eww).The adult mom-daughter living-in-the-same-house dynamic can me quite tricky to navigate, but thankfully, we worked it out for the better. I cherish our retired time together because my mom died unexpectedly in June. I finished my final dissertation chapter the day before she died. She gave her final notes about my writing as we sat in the ER.  A mother's love never ends. It was not until her passing that I realized how invested in my educational journey she was. Therefore, successfully defending my dissertation became the goal to which I doggedly prayed and pursued in spite of my grief and some internal setbacks.       I successfully defended my dissertation on 10.27.25.  I know my mom is smiling in heaven. 

My Plan

Still figuring that out.  

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 Completing my dissertation was an obstacle and triumph. There are so many pieces and parts to this process as well as systemic hurdles that had to be overcome.   

My Advice

 You will know if it is your time. Don't force something just because someone says you should.  

 My Story

 I started UNLV on a full-time four-year track in 2018 as a biochemistry major. In 2019, I changed majors to Communication Studies and Anthropology, but later reduced Anthropology to a minor. After the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, I left a DV relationship and developed long-COVID. I was housing and food insecure, experienced subsequent infections, and the mental toll led me to fail multiple courses and take a semester off of school. I returned part-time and had to regain my seat in the UNLV Honors College due to previous failed grades lowering my GPA. All of this taught me perseverance in adversity, adaptability when pursuing goals, and ultimately led me to find a passion for my education and career goals. 

 My Plan

 I focused my degree on rhetoric in public communication that impacts public policy and community building. I plan to attend graduate school to earn a Master's Library and Information Science and a Public Policy PhD. My partner and I are using our combined education and work experience to start a public-private partnership to expand library, legal, and tax services in low-income areas and resource deserts in the East Las Vegas area. With the impact of the business, we hope to influence future city planning and policy to improve the resources available to some of the most under-served neighborhoods of the valley. 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 I lost a lot of peers, mentors, and overall support when I decided to change my academic and career trajectory. Lots of people believed I would never graduate or that I was just being lazy. Losing my entire support-system drove me into a deep depression, and more than just my academic success was at stake for many years. However, I found a handful of people I could trust, and overtime that grew to many more. I managed to publish my own thesis paper, earn financial grants and scholarships, recover my GPA to graduate with Honors College and Lambda Pi Eta distinction, and a Great Academic Works Certificate. I also volunteered, took on leadership roles, and made contributions to multiple student organizations and student service departments around campus. 

My Advice

If you want to do it, it is worth it. There is no easy path, but there are more challenging ones, and it's okay to try things out and find out what will work best for you. The nontraditional path is just as valid as any other, and there are people who will happily cheer you on and help you along the way. Don't be afraid to try, and don't be afraid to ask for help. 

 My Story

 The minute I stepped into my first Social Work class, I knew I had made the right choice for my next profession. I took advantage of all and any programs the university offered, especially the Writing Center. If it were a free event, I would take advantage of it to network and make friends. Making connections with peers from other majors made me aware of many programs. I am so excited to be graduating.  

 My Plan

 I plan to use my degree to advance the awareness of the many barriers that first responders and veterans face in gaining access to mental health. I also plan to pursue a non-traditional role in Social Work and enter into policy to make change for the greater population. I want to help uplift our most vulnerable residents and use my platform to elevate their stories.  

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 The class hours were the most challenging. UNLV, though a commuter school, lacks the creativity to cater to non-traditional students. Being able to differentiate between  'life experience" vs " academic knowledge".  

My Advice

 Do not conform! Use your voice not only to elevate your needs but also to help shape the experiences of the students who will follow behind you. Do not feel guilty for advocating for yourself or your peers. And above all, enjoy the college experience! YOU BELONG HERE! 

 My Story

Learning to navigate my college experience has been a challenge since I'm so much older than many other students, but I did it!  I started out with just Sociology, but then added anthropology for a double major. 

 My Plan

I really am unsure how I will use my degree at this time but I figure my higher power, God, knows what I will do .

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 Confronting old teaching methods were frustrating but I learned how to communicate what I needed.

My ANTS Experience

 I'm grateful I was embraced and welcomed by NTS  

My Advice

 You are never too old to be who you were intended to be" I did it one step at a time and now I'll be graduating this December, I'll be 70 years old in January"

My Story

 My college journey has been a long time coming. I first attended college right after high school, but life took a different turn when I wanted to change majors, and my enrollment fell through the cracks. After a difficult conversation with my father at the time, I made the decision to move out at 20 years old and begin life on my own. For many years, I put my education on hold, but the desire to finish what I started never went away. In 2020, I made the decision to return to school—this time for me. I enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program with a clear purpose and a renewed sense of determination. Since then, I have worked full time, navigated two pregnancies, and cared for two young children—all while maintaining my studies and never taking a semester off. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. Personally, I’ve grown stronger, more disciplined, and more resilient than I ever thought possible. I’ve learned how to balance motherhood, a career, and academics—often all in the same day. I’ve had to develop time management, perseverance, and a strong sense of self-motivation. Every assignment, discussion post, and exam has been another step toward a goal that I once thought was out of reach. 

My Plan

 I plan to use my Healthcare Administration degree to advance my career and open doors to leadership roles within the healthcare industry. I’m proud to be setting an example for my children—that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. This degree represents financial stability, professional growth, and a brighter future for my family. It also represents personal fulfillment—proof that it’s never too late to finish what you started and achieve something meaningful. 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 As a nontraditional student, I faced many obstacles balancing school, work, and motherhood. During my time at UNLV, I worked full time, carried the mental load of being a wife and mom, and had two babies—one in 2021 and one in 2024. There were many long nights, financial stress, and moments where I questioned how I’d get it all done. But I never gave up or took a semester off. My greatest triumph was proving to myself that I could do this—no matter how challenging life got. I maintained strong grades (earning all A’s except one) while raising two children and managing everything else life threw my way. My biggest accomplishment is simply finishing. I am proud that I stayed committed for five straight years and earned this degree for myself and my family. It represents strength, growth, and perseverance through some of the hardest years of my life. 

My Advice

 As a nontraditional student, I faced many obstacles balancing school, work, and motherhood. During my time at UNLV, I worked full time, carried the mental load of being a wife and mom, and had two babies—one in 2021 and one in 2024. There were many long nights, financial stress, and moments where I questioned how I’d get it all done. But I never gave up or took a semester off. My greatest triumph was proving to myself that I could do this—no matter how challenging life got. I maintained strong grades (earning all A’s except one) while raising two children and managing everything else life threw my way. My biggest accomplishment is simply finishing. I am proud that I stayed committed for five straight years and earned this degree for myself and my family. It represents strength, growth, and perseverance through some of the hardest years of my life. 

My Plan

 I plan to use it to pursue my dream of law school, so I can become an immigration attorney. 

My Obstacles/Triumphs

 My biggest obstacles were working full-time, being a mom of two wonderful athletes, and pursuing my dream. There were many sleepless nights but I am here, getting ready to graduate. My greatest accomplishment is showing my children that even though I was a teen mom, at the age of 16 the sky is the limit! 

My ANTS Experience

 It was a wonderful experience getting to be on the board and meeting other individuals with my same struggles. Being part of ANTS helped me open up and become more involved in school.  

My Advice

 Do it because it is never too late to pursue your dream.