“I can’t even express how exciting this day is. It’s been something that I’ve waited for and dreamed of since I was a little kid.”
Graduation day meant everything for Allison Mickelson, age 33 and a mother of four. Ten years ago, she chose to pause her college education to focus on her family. Now, she finally has her bachelor's degree and is so grateful BYU-Pathway Worldwide made it possible for her to both care for her family and accomplish her dream.
To anyone considering getting an education, Allison encourages them to not hesitate.
“Do it. I cannot stress it enough; even if you’re not doing it for a profession, do it for you.”
She decided to go back to school through BYU-Pathway in 2020. Despite the challenges of kids at home and a worldwide pandemic, she felt inspired to push forward, knowing she wouldn’t be the only one to benefit from her education.
“It’s been the biggest blessing, just being able to find my confidence again and to teach my kids that if I can do it anyone can.”
With a husband also going back to school and three of their kids on the autism spectrum needing therapy, finishing was difficult. Allison admits feeling inadequate at the beginning.
“I had been gone so long, and I wondered if I was even capable of [school] anymore.”
Thankfully, BYU-Pathway’s flexible online format fit her busy schedule while providing a unique, gospel-centered support system including peer mentors, service missionaries, instructors, and a weekly gathering group. Allison felt that BYU-Pathway’s spiritual education made the difference in giving her the strength to finish.
“Involving my family in that learning process, helping them see not only the educational side of it, but the spiritual side of it was huge. It made me more encouraged to push through difficult times.”
Her education also helped her to see all the marketable skills she had gained being a mother.
“I’m a time manager. I’m an educator. I’m all these different things. I have a lot more to offer in a professional setting than I ever realized I did.”
With her existing and new skills combined, Allison was hired as a marketing proposal coordinator and plans to get a master’s degree. Her eagerness to learn has shown her how much more she is capable of.
“I really rediscovered myself. My kids supported me and saw that, when you put your mind to something, you can do anything.”
Learn more about BYU-Pathway Worldwide, and see how you can join more than 61,000 students in 180 countries who are rediscovering themselves through their education.