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A True Leader
I had three young children (ages 2 months, 2 and 6 years). I drove two hours each way to a community college in Norfolk, Nebraska. I was very nervous; petrified actually. I remember vividly the feeling of being in the classroom with "kids" who knew each other and feeling very old and out of it. But, relatively shortly, I found the learning experience to be very enriching. I did well. I looked forward to the two-hour commute that would begin at 5:30 a.m. to make my 8:00 a.m. class, so I could be home in time to feed the children lunch. Soon I was back at work full time. From there, my goal quickly became to earn a bachelor's degree. Over the years, I took traditional courses, accelerated courses and telecourses. I also worked very hard on a portfolio for an experiential learning assessment that yielded credit hours for me, because I could document college-level learning through my professional work experiences! My degree pursuits were interrupted several times with job changes, life changes and finances. However, the decision was made and I have never regretted it; not the expenses, the stress, the juggling, the early mornings and late nights! It was so worth it. That was one of the most important decisions of my life. And, because of what education has done for me, I have made it my job (and personal mission) to make educational opportunities available for you! Yes, my experience was so rewarding - personally, professionally - that my mission became letting others know about the value of higher education, especially when you have not had the opportunity to go a traditional route. Return to Continuing Education Stories Menu Return to Inspire Home
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Chari Leader earned her bachelor's degree from Bellevue University, then went on to earn a Master of Human Relations degree from the University of Oklahoma and her Ph.D. in Education from Walden University, all the while working full time and raising three children. She is currently the Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Excelsior College.