By Aaron Smith,
Communications and Marketing
Being a single mother of four children and working full time at Ohio University doesn't allow for much free time, but Susan Haggard is making the most of the time she has.
She has taken two classes each quarter in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in organizational communication and has recently achieved senior status. Haggard said that going to school has given her an exciting challenge.
"Everyone needs to be challenged and I have found a self-confidence in finding out that I can be a good student, while providing for my family," she said. "It has given me career goals when I didn't feel I had options before. It has not negatively affected my work performance, but has given me a renewed sense of self that has positively impacted my work."
Haggard said that she has had to make some sacrifices in order to take the classes. She gave up television time, which she said was no big loss, and some recreational reading time. She also said that her housework has been minimal but that she has found that "life goes on with or without dust bunnies."
Haggard said others in her situation should not shy away from going back to school because of all the benefits it brings.
"Many people feel they missed their chance at college when they didn't do it traditionally," she said. "They feel like they will not be able to keep up with the younger people. But I'm here to say that the non-traditional students are the ones who come to class prepared, focused and ready to meet the challenge. It may be the best way to do it."
Haggard is one of many non-bargaining classified employees who have decided to continue their education. Several of her colleagues also have shared their stories in Outlook and Outlook Online.
