Heather is passionate about helping others unlock their potential. Having worked in Learning and Development (L&D) most of her career, she knows that a college degree can advance one’s career, including her own. However, this wasn’t always the advice Heather knew for herself. When Heather was 18, she decided to pursue a degree in the medical field, even though she wasn’t sure if that was what she wanted to do for a career. As a result, she quickly realized that she wasn’t ready to commit to a college.
Hailing from the Midwest, Heather moved to San Antonio 15 years ago and worked as a training manager. “That’s where I found my passion for adult learning, and ever since then, I’ve stayed in that field.” Heather wants to help adult learners to develop their skills and abilities to succeed and advance in their roles. However, she needed a college degree to make the most impact.
“I knew I needed to finish my degree, and I had explored different possibilities to obtain my degree. There are tons of options for universities or community colleges here in San Antonio. As a mother of three young children and working a full-time job, going to a college campus wasn’t an option for me.”
Heather discovered Western Governors University (WGU) through a colleague. During the pandemic, her company transitioned to working remotely, allowing Heather to spend more time with her family without a daily commute. Working from home also helped her to decide to go back to school. WGU was the perfect option.
“What was appealing to me about WGU was the flexibility of being able to work at my own pace and accelerate (footnote about acceleration option) and not have to sit in a physical classroom. Then there was also the low-cost tuition.” Compared to other universities and community colleges in San Antonio, WGU provided Heather the financial freedom to commit to her college degree from a nationally recognized university at a fraction of the cost. In addition to the low cost, Heather can complete her degree in only one and a half years (three semesters). That’s less than half the time it would take to start and complete her degree at another college.
Heather enrolled at WGU Academy, which offers guaranteed admission to WGU. She completed several of her required prerequisite courses, all of which transferred directly to WGU towards her business degree program. In addition to starting her degree with several courses checked off, WGU Academy also helped her adjust and experience WGU’s online learning environment first hand.
“Sometimes going back to school can be anxiety for people. However, my enrollment process was wonderful. When I got into WGU Academy, I felt like they were invested in me being successful and not that they’re getting anything out of it other than the satisfaction of helping me to achieve my goals.
“WGU Academy also introduced me to WGU’s university culture faster. It’s just a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations. The support system is beautiful and has continued to enhance, even carrying on into my transition at WGU.”
Heather’s support system also includes her husband and her 13-year-old daughter, with whom Heather is open to about her academic journey.
“My 13-year-old is extremely intelligent. We talk about school and how mom has to work harder now and manage things to get this degree. But she sees it: I get off from work, and then at 5:00, I turn off my work computer and might say hello to my kiddos and my husband and do whatever I need to do. But after that, I’m right back on my computer doing school work.
“I think it shows to my children that I’m driven, and if you’re driven to achieve something, you have to dedicate yourself to it, so your hard work pays off.”
Heather’s boss also supports her academic endeavors for additional accountability towards reaching her goals. In turn, she can encourage her colleagues to reach their own. “I love being able to talk about my schooling, experience and be a mentor as well with it for people. I’ve had employees come to me and say, ‘Hey, tell me about that school that you go to.’ One of my reports recently asked me about it wanting to learn more.”
After she finishes her degree, Heather plans to pursue her master’s degree. In the meantime, she inspires others to reach their academic and career aspirations and shares how WGU Academy can help them achieve it.
