Throwback Thursday- Taking What Life Has to Offer

We are Brightwood

I did it! I graduated college with a bachelor of arts in Psychology in 2008. Crazy it’s been over 9 years!

In the middle of my third year in college, I found out I was pregnant. I was excited, but did not think I could finish my studies. I had severe morning sickness and could hardly get out of bed. It was so bad, that I had to go to the emergency room six times in the first few months of my pregnancy. My grades started to suffer and I wanted to give up, but I knew I couldn’t. I was going to bring a precious baby boy in the world and wanted to further my education for a brighter future.
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My last year in college, was the best! My son was born in the middle of the first semester of my last year in college. I had complications after the birth of my son, but as soon as the doctor said I wasn’t bedridden, I attended my classes. The last semester of college, I took 18 credit hours. I had a full school schedule and a newborn baby. I studied hard and felt like I had a new purpose in life - to be an amazing mom, and a role model to my son. I had the best grades/gpa the last year of college. I walked across the stage in May 2008 with my son in the crowd, my parents, and sister cheering me on. It was a huge accomplishment and has helped me in my career today.

I currently work at a non-profit who assist people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. I work with the children and the survivors, as the Child and Parent Advocate. Before this career, I worked as a Forensic Interviewer and a Family Advocate at the Child Advocacy Center in the police department. I worked severe child abuse cases. My careers have been very rewarding and have helped many children and families overcome difficult situations. The children I’ve worked with have taught me so much. Their resilience and ability to find happiness through extremely tough circumstances have made me a better person and has forever touched my life. I truly am blessed by the people I meet at my work.

Getting a college degree has changed my life. Today, as a single mom of two beautiful children, I’m thankful for the financial growth due to my education; I’m thankful for landing my dream job because of furthering my education; and I’m proud to be a college graduate and be a role model to my children to further their education.

​Although getting my college degree was a struggle, it is worth it. Many have struggled, but have found success through taking steps to further their education. Check out these stories from Brightwood College of many struggles, but in the end success : https://weare.brightwood.edu/.

To find out more information about Brightwood College and how people have faced adversities but achieved their goal, click here to learn more.

Thanks for stopping by!

K. Le