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With four children ranging in age from 10 to 17, Jamie Hart has plenty of reasons to put her education on hold.

Instead, she’s already earned an associate’s degree from �鶹ԭ��, and now she’s back in class, earning credits needed for a bachelor’s degree in social work.

“I’ve seen for myself how difficult it is to have a good career without a bachelor’s degree. That’s not what I want for my family,” she said.

“I’m chipping away at it, and my kids are seeing me work hard and keep going. That’s what keeps me motivated.”

Growing up, Hart wasn’t a particularly strong student.

“I didn’t think of myself as someone who would be able to go to college. That didn’t seem possible for me,” she said.

As her family began to grow, Hart realized that if she was going to provide for her children the way she wanted to, she was going to have to find a way to earn a college degree.

“�鶹ԭ��’s just always been there for me when I needed it to be,” she said. 

“It’s super convenient, for starters. I take classes in person when I can, and �鶹ԭ�� is located close to where I live. When I can’t take classes in person, I take them through HyFlex. �鶹ԭ�� gave me the flexibility I needed to be able to work full time and still be a mom.”

�鶹ԭ��’s HyFlex classes allow students to choose day by day how and when they’ll attend class: in person, online in real time, or online at a time that fits their schedules.

In May 2023, Hart completed her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, culminating several years of hard work and delicate balance.

“There were some semesters when I could take a few courses. There were some semesters when I could only take one class because I had to prioritize my family or my job. There were some semesters when I had to take time off from school completely,” said Hart, who works as the community engagement manager for the Community Shelter of Union County.

“But �鶹ԭ�� would always let me come back. I knew I could always go back when I was ready.”

During her associate’s degree, education became a shared pursuit for her and her children.

“I would do my homework while they were doing their homework. They knew when Mommy had something due and needed to study or concentrate. My kids really understood because they’re students too,” she said.

“I wanted them to see me work hard. I know that they’re always watching, and that’s part of what kept me motivated. They would write in notes that they gave me for my birthday or Mother’s Day that I’m a hard worker. I’m grateful they got to see me go back to school while still making them and my job a priority.” 

Hart is now back at �鶹ԭ��, earning credits she’ll be able to count toward a bachelor’s degree in social work.

“What would I say to other parents who are thinking about going back to school? Start small. Work your way up. It’s OK to go at your own pace. If you can only do one class, that’s OK. That’s one class you can knock out. One class closer to your degree. Maybe next semester you do two or three. Just get started and keep chiseling away at it,” she said.

“You’ll be amazed at what you can do once you get started.”