Good intentions and determination were not enough to earn Katalina Scott a bachelor’s degree the first time around. 

She began her college education at Southern Texas University and transferred to Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, after becoming pregnant with her son at age 19. Having stopped and restarted her coursework there several times, Scott was two credits shy of earning a business degree when she was informed she couldn’t resume classes because the school didn’t have her high school transcripts. 

Scott had to quickly rethink her next steps.

When Jessica Castro enrolled at Ashford University* in 2016 to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship, she was about to begin what many would see as a nearly impossible task: earning a college degree while holding down two full-time jobs. Of course, Jessica Castro isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. 

The decision to keep both jobs and attend school meant Jessica would have to be incredibly motivated. 

Growing up, Laura Belter was a self-described tomboy who loved to play sports, including volleyball, softball, basketball, and more. Even rollerblading, until it ended in a broken leg. 

Yet even when she failed, Laura saw it as a victory. “If you fail, it’s because you tried,” she says. “I’m one of those people who has to try.” 

It may have taken Karrie Newby nearly 25 years to earn her Associate of Arts degree, but once she got the ball rolling, there was no stopping her. Now at 61 years of age, this professor not only has her BA in Heath Care Administration, Master of Arts in Education, and doctorate in psychology, she’s also earned 19 certifications and three additional degrees. 

When it comes to commitment, John Hawk knows how to follow through. In addition to his 18 years of service in the U.S. Army, the 47-year-old resident of Hopewell, Virginia, has been on a dedicated pursuit of higher education at Ashford University* since 2014.