My name is Bernita Harrod and I am a Comebacker. Thank you for the opportunity to tell you about myself and my journey toward finishing my college degree.
At present I have four remaining courses left to finish my Bachelor of Arts degree from Thomas Edison State University. The end goal is so near and I will be graduating this fall!
I ask myself every day, why is it so important for me to complete my degree? I need to complete my degree for several reasons:
- To show my daughter that you should finish what you start and it is worth it. My 25 year old daughter recently completed her associate’s degree from the Art Institute. She will begin working towards her bachelor’s degree at Philadelphia University/Jefferson University this fall. I want to show my daughter that with hard work – she too can complete her degree.
- To receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences so I can pursue my dream career in social work or social services.
- My goal is to become a youth counselor or life coach. I want to work with junior high and middle school age students. At this age so many youth need guidance and support on school issues and personal life situations. I want to be a mentor to these young people to help them make good life choices that will help them on the right path for high school and college.
I previously attended Community College of Philadelphia in my early twenties but did not graduate. So, I enrolled again in 2009 to try to finish what I had started. While attending Community College, I was notified that my financial aid was exhausted. This did not deter me but made me more determined to get my degree. While working at Independence Blue Cross, I noticed that Graduate! Philadelphia was offering different classes for adults that were going back to school. They re-introduced me to the academic process and how it would be beneficial for me to go back to school. During an appointment with one of their Advisors, they told me how I could continue my education online. I am now waiting patiently for the day when I will graduate from Thomas Edison State University.
I realized several years ago that the career I want to pursue cannot be achieved without receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree. Having this degree will give me the opportunity to make all my hopes and dreams come true and at the same time help others pursue their ambitions. When I receive my degree, it will be for the betterment of the community.
Remember, you are never too old to pursue your passion and realize your dreams. I am considered to be over the hill by the accepted standards. However, I know that as long as I can dream it, that I can achieve it.
Thank you to Graduate! Philadelphia’s personnel for providing me with the proper resources and guidance so I could start my journey to continue my education. I am now on track to graduate in September 2018.