From Skepticism to Success: My Journey to Earning My Degree Later in Life
From Skepticism to Success: My Journey to Earning My Degree Later in Life
In 2023, I stumbled upon a YouTube video featuring people claiming to complete their degrees quickly—some even finishing an associate’s degree in just months, and others earning a bachelor’s in under four years. At first, I thought they were exaggerating or maybe even lying. I couldn’t believe it. I was skeptical, but something in me thought, What do I have to lose?
At that time, I was in the middle of raising a family. One of my children had recently dropped out of college to join the military, and another was a freshman in college. In just a couple of years, I’d have another one heading off to school. I knew eventually I would go back to school, but could I actually do it with all my other responsibilities?
If I could offer any advice, it would be to do it while you're young. It’s so much harder at 40+, when you have so many more responsibilities. But that’s what pushed me to start. I knew it was time to take action. So, in June 2023, with zero credits to my name, I officially began my journey toward earning my associate’s degree and one year later- my bachelor’s degree.
I started researching programs that offered flexibility and acceleration. I came across Western Governors University (WGU), and, though I was terrified about the exams with my demanding life and work schedule, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I did very well throughout the process. I completed courses quickly, but the anxiety of exams got the best of me, and I ended up withdrawing. I felt deflated, and other people in the Facebook groups where I learned so much of my information from didn’t understand or agree and questioned my intentions. I wasn’t ready to give up, though. I just needed to strategize and see what methods were going to work for me. Every reason to stop presented itself during this whole process. Usually, in my mind, that would mean this isn’t the right way to go. In this case, I had to figure out the meaning to my reservations and hesitation.
I continued to research and eventually landed at Concord University. At first, the platform was hard to navigate, and I didn’t find it user-friendly. I thought I was way in over my head and initially panicked. But I persevered. I pushed through the hundreds of assignments that filled my 16-week semester. It was overwhelming at times, but I stopped making excuses and reminded myself of how much time I had already wasted. I didn’t need any more delays.
There were moments when I doubted the “process” and wondered if I could keep up with everything—work, life, and school. But every step I took brought me closer to my goal. And now, I can proudly say that I finished my undergraduate degree.
If you’re thinking about going back to school or getting your degree, don’t wait until everything is “perfect.” The timing will never be perfect. The key is to start, even when it feels overwhelming. If I can do it, you can too. Don’t let your doubts or fears hold you back—take the first step and keep moving forward. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
For more information, contact me at: alexisacarter2009@gmail.com
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