Student Stories
Students "stop out" of college (leave before they earn a degree) for a variety of reasons – health, money, family, lack of direction or motivation – or maybe some combination. But often what brings them back is newfound sense of purpose:
- Set an example for their family.
- Have a steady income.
- Pursue their passion.
- Check it off the bucket list.
Whatever the reason, we know it takes commitment, perseverance, and a juggling of multiple roles that can often feel overwhelming. We also know achieving the goal you’ve set for yourself is overwhelming in the best way possible way because returning students tell us time and time again. It is an accomplishment, a message to yourself and others that you can do it.
Read on to hear the stories of grit and gratitude, doubt and delight, second-guessing to success, from those who made the decision to come back.
We want to hear about your success! Share your story here.
“RTU has an excellent online program. They offer a lot of scholarships and grants that I definitely took advantage of. And they have a diverse community of inclusivity, and I love the professors – they were probably my favorite part of attending…My experience at the U was really amazing. It felt like it was perfect timing and everything was falling into place. I was a little out of sorts going back to the U and everyone really helped me get back into it…The Return to the U program allowed me to earn my degree which changed my life, not my lifestyle.”
- Hillary Bess, Class of 2023
"As a single parent in my early 40s who works full-time, I had really given up on
the idea of being able to return to college and complete my degree. My younger years
I had moved all over the country and pursued a variety of degrees including film and
history, but when I became a single parent shortly after my child was born, I knew
I needed to focus on my career in the financial industry instead of school. It was
hard to let go of my dream of earning a college degree, though, and I hoped to be
able to go back to school "someday." An email in the summer of 2019 from the Return
to U department gave me new hope and a new passion to pursue. I was surprised to learn
I could pursue a degree in Psychology entirely online. This information came at a
time I was trying to do my own research into gender identity so I could be a better
ally to my child, who had just come out as non-binary, so I decided to give it a try.
"I have been met with enthusiasm and support in every possible way through the application
process, registration, and matriculation. I am now in my last semester and will receive
my B.S in Psychology in May. Even through COVID-19, I was fully supported by my academic
advisors and professors who were always understanding of my non-traditional student
challenges. I have started applying to graduate school programs with the goal of becoming
a licensed therapist for Transgender adolescents and their families. I cannot overstate
how much this opportunity has meant to both me and my child. To say that it has been
life-changing is no exaggeration. Returning to the U is one of the best decisions
I have ever made!"
- Kirsten Caron
"When I went back to school in 2002 for my Associate’s Degree in General Studies, I had two (and then three) little kids. I took one class a semester. At the beginning the road seemed incredibly long. But when it was over, I couldn’t believe how quickly the time went. Since I graduated from nursing school in 2015, every day I have women who work with me in the radiation oncology department at the Huntsman Cancer Institute who are doing the same thing: taking one class at a time. Eventually, if you keep at it, you will get that degree. Now, I’m excited to say that I have returned once again for my RN to BS. To those of you also considering returning to finish your degree, if the main reason you’re not sure about returning to college is because you’re afraid, remember the only way to get over your fears is to face them."
- Brenda Baker
"What I have enjoyed coming back to the University of Utah and what I don’t remember being offered when I was here the last time, were online courses that allowed me a certain level of flexibility. And I enjoyed that. . . . In my company, we had this idea that we were creating a love of learning in people. . . . The truth is I always had it, I was an autodidact, I learned everything that I could no matter what and what I really wanted to do was formalize my education. I wanted to be able to say, 'I know this, and here is my piece of paper that proves that I do know this.'" - Brandi Chase
Returned to the U after 20+ years to graduate with degrees in English and Economics
"As [graduation] was hitting me, it made me really appreciate the University of Utah and everything they do and all the resources that they’ve made accessible. I mean, there’s no way that you can fail here. To anyone that’s on the same path that I was on, being away from school that many years, intimidated, life takes over ... I’d tell them everyone’s got a why, why you do anything. Find your why. The effect that it has on your life, economically, socially, so many different ways, it’s totally worth it. Don’t feel intimidated. Particularly with this university, coming back, there’s so much help here." - Jamal Carter
"Returning to the U rewarded me with some of the most fulfilling years of my life. Initially, resuming college in midlife was intimidating, but my family, professors, counselors, and classmates encouraged me to show up and work hard. With their support and my determination, I graduated with honors in 2019. I am proud of my strength and resilience, and the example I set for my children." - Tiffani DiGregorio
Stopped out to focus on her career, then returned 25 years later, graduating in 2019 with a BA in English