When it comes to self-improvement and discipline, Shellane Demarest has a leg up on most people. As a personal trainer with years of experience working within the world of CrossFit, she’s developed a reputation for putting in long hours to accomplish her goals.

In 2016, she decided it was time to give her mind a workout too, and she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication* program at Ashford’s** College of Liberal Arts.

Regina Scott is a dreamer. She had always dreamt of being a police officer. Little did she know that her degree in organizational management from Ashford University* would help her achieve that dream.

Non-traditional students often take non-traditional routes through their careers, using their degrees to support an existing goal rather than as the foundation for a future job.

“One of my goals after I completed high school was to go to college,” says Odessa Thomas. “Although it has taken me some time to finish, my motto has always been ‘better late than never.’”

When Laura Griswold decided to go back to school, the newly single mother of two and full-time Ashford University* admissions counselor had quite a bit on her plate. 

While married, Laura co-owned and operated a successful business, but divorce changed the trajectory of her career. She knew continuing her college studies was the key to unlocking new career opportunities. 

“I needed a fresh education in order to earn a living that could actually provide for myself and my kids,” she recalls. “Employers don’t care how successful you were as a self-made boss.”

There are many reasons people put off college immediately following high school. Obstacles like cost, family obligations, or even having a job lined up can prevent high school graduates from continuing their education right away.

Gregory Borgman has come to a realization. He’s busy. Very busy. He’s a full-time leader at work, an avid volunteer in his community, VP of his neighborhood condominium association, devoted husband, and a pet parent to two much-loved pups (9-year-old Schotzie and 10-month-old Blanche). And now he’s getting an MBA at Ashford*. 

Gregory has very little downtime, but that’s just how he likes it. What’s his secret to getting it all done? Waking up insanely early. 

A high-achiever and determined student, Derek Walker made the choice to return to higher education with hopes to expand the scope of his future career opportunities and strengthen his personal brand.

“My decision to go back to school was just to advance myself, to become more well-rounded as an individual, and to build on some skill sets and my knowledge base to become a better leader in the future,” Derek says

Cathy Edwards Thompson came to San Diego in May 2018 to celebrate a massive personal achievement. She was attending the Ashford University* spring commencement ceremony where she would be graduating cum laude with double majors in health care administration and psychology. And yet, for all of the success she had during her time at Ashford, Cathy’s thoughts kept returning to one class three years before that she barely passed.