About the author: Janene Nielson, from Pocatello, Idaho, graduated with a degree from BYU-Idaho in April 2024, supported by BYU-Pathway Worldwide. She teaches English to Ukrainian refugees and plans to volunteer as a child advocate.
After earning my associate degree in two years as a young adult, I believed I would finish college within four years. But after finding the love of my life, getting married, and having five children, my education took a backseat to the school of life.
As my children got older, I tried independent studies, but I struggled with procrastination and the lack of teacher interaction. After attempting three courses and quitting all of them, I started to think maybe I wasn’t cut out to be a student anymore.
Fast forward 20 years: I became the welfare specialist for our stake and attended a training about BYU-Pathway Worldwide. It resonated deeply with me, and I knew it was the answer to my prayers. With the support of my husband and children, I began BYU-Pathway in April 2022.
At first, it was harder than I thought it would be, trying to remember how to do algebra and write papers. It took many hours and the help of many people, but with the support of my gathering group and service missionaries, I finished and did well.
As I progressed through my degree, I took classes that taught me marketable skills. My employer even offered to advance me to a new position after I graduated. The higher-paying job has helped me support my children in college and on missions.
Working full-time and finishing my degree in four semesters was challenging. There were many late nights of eating ice, fighting to stay awake while writing. I had to say no to almost everything else. My family supported me by taking over everything they could so that I could focus. Interacting with my instructors and classmates also made a huge difference for me and helped me stay on track.
BYU-Pathway Worldwide gave me a new perspective; I better understand myself and the world around me. I am thankful God did not give up on my higher education — even when I did — so I could become who I am today.