When life gets tough, it’s easy to turn away from your goals – especially the most challenging ones. Earning a college degree is a prime example. Life’s demands such as marriage, raising children, or an out-of-state relocation compete for your time and financial resources. It can be difficult with so much on your plate.
Meet Paul Pittman, School of Business student at Rasmussen College. After earning his Business Management associate degree in 2010 from AIU Online, the father of two decided to continue his education at the Rasmussen College Wausau campus and get a bachelor’s degree. But then, like many people, life threw a wrench in his plans.
“My wife’s company reorganized, so we had to move to North Carolina in March, 2011,” said Pittman. “At first, I thought about taking time off from school, maybe even switch schools, but then with the help of my instructors, I discovered I could finish my degree with Rasmussen College online.”
For Pittman, giving up on his education was not an option. He says he focused on why he went back to school in the first place.
“The job market in central Wisconsin was brutal,” said Pittman. “I was working in transportation at the time. I knew I needed a college degree to get ahead in life, so at the age of 47 I decided to finish what I started a long time ago.”
More than a year and a half later, Pittman is on track to graduate next summer, and get this – he’s been on the Dean’s List every quarter. His driving force: returning to where it all began.
“One of the key elements in the transition for me was goal setting,” said Pittman. “As a few Wausau campus faculty will attest, when I left I promised them I’d be back to graduate at the campus where I started. More importantly, I made myself the same promise.”
Pittman says he credits a lot of his success to his family’s support. He’s looking forward to graduating and possibly starting a new career in teaching.
“To anyone faced with the challenge of continuing school after you’ve already started for whatever reason, here is my personal challenge to you: there is no reason to justify not completing what you felt compelled to start in the first pace,” said Pittman. “Your education is something that can’t be taken away from you and is yours to grow. It’s your responsibility to complete your goals. Accept it and become the person you want to be.”
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