When Liz Abitante began her journey at Ashford University*, she already had an undergraduate degree under her belt. Nevertheless, she knew that continuing her education and increasing her knowledge could only benefit her in the long run. So when the right opportunity presented itself, Liz jumped at the chance to return to school.

“I knew that I never wanted to get to a point where I stopped learning, and I felt like it was the right time in my life to jump into a program and dedicate the time needed to be successful,” Liz explains.

Like many Ashford University* students, Stephanie Wilfong was inspired by her family to head back to school and start working on a pair of life-changing college degrees. Now, as she nears the end of her degree programs, she looks back on her Ashford journey.

Like many graduates fresh out of high school, Stacee Chaney decided her next step would be college. She packed up and moved from her hometown of Flint, Michigan to Atlanta to pursue a degree in computer science. But she quickly realized that college wasn’t for her at that moment in her life, and she opted to begin her career instead. Fourteen years later, Stacee’s career led her back to college and she found a perfect fit at Ashford University*.

Life can change in a flash, and the path that you’ve carved out for yourself can suddenly veer in new directions, bringing anxiety and uncertainty that can be difficult to overcome.

Ricardo Fogel’s life took an unexpected turn in December 2012 while he was working at a construction site. He spent the day constructing a water well and hauling heavy wooden boards and drill bits around the site. At the end of the day, he remembers having trouble walking or standing on both feet.

“Learning is a continuous process,” explains Quinette Covington, a medical professional and small business owner whose academic path doesn’t have a defined endpoint. Because of her relentless pursuit of knowledge, she fits the definition of a lifelong learner.

Onalee Devereaux is not afraid to push herself. The 25-year-old spent six years in the military before signing up for duty as a police officer, investigator, and investigative support technician. But intellectual curiosity and a desire to reach her full potential prompted Onalee to head back to school and pursue a college education.

“I think it is most people’s goal to become the best version of themselves,” she explains. “Earning a degree helps us grow toward this goal in many ways – it’s not just book smarts.” 

For Nakia Bennett, the pursuit of a college degree began as a means to a good career. But after the U.S. Army veteran was designated as disabled in 2010, a degree became a personal goal.

Nakia’s first attempt at college started in 2001, shortly after he got out of the Army. It was not easy to fit college into his busy life though. Nakia was working full-time, and he was sent overseas three times as a civilian contractor, including a stint in Kuwait in 2003 when the United States declared war on Iraq.

Once she started attending college, Mikayla Wombacher discovered an unexpected passion for learning. At Ashford University*, she is following that passion to earn a degree and set herself up for a gratifying career.

“I began my college career directly after graduating high school in May of 2013 and began college in August 2013,” Mikayla says. “I have always really liked school and have always done well, but when I started college, I began to excel and found a passion for learning.”