She Believed She Could, So She Did
There’s something exciting about starting out on a new adventure. Whether it’s a career, a home improvement project, a class, a relationship or a diet and exercise plan, having a blank slate and a new passion can be thrilling. Sometimes, though, the shininess wears off. The work gets harder, priorities change and you give up. Maybe you insist you’re only postponing the task — but that’s often how you trick yourself into being okay with never completing it. You might even pick it up again later, only to leave it unfinished once more. It can eventually become a pattern that causes you to harbor resentment for your inability to follow through.
Sarah Leon decided not to follow that pattern when it came to her education. She began attending Brevard Community College on and off in 1998, and by 2015, she had completed nearly all of her Associate degree. Only two classes stood between Sarah and the finish line when she had to pause her education to focus on other aspects of her life. Sarah had a one-income family and was homeschooling a small child, so time and money were both tight. She and her husband discussed the possibility of her returning to school but determined it just wouldn’t be possible in their current situation.
The very next day, Sarah received an invitation from EFSC, daring her to come back and complete her degree. Intrigued, she completed a readmit application, a FAFSA and an advising session. She even applied for a special scholarship to cover her tuition. In the end, it paid off. A full 19 years after she started it, Sarah graduated with her Associate degree in December of 2017 — but she didn’t stop there. Sarah has since returned to Eastern Florida, where she is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. When she finishes her BAS, she wishes to pursue a career in financial management, accounting or bookkeeping.
Sarah recently appeared in a YouTube Live information session to share her experience. When asked for advice to pass along to students in similar situations, she recommended seeking out opportunities for financial assistance through scholarships and grants. There are numerous opportunities for financial assistance at EFSC — even for people who think they don’t qualify. She also recommended taking advantage of free support resources through our Academic Success Centers, such as tutoring and writing assistance.
“They are so understanding,” said Leon. “Always there to help. They take the worry out of going back to school. I think so many people just get so nervous. They’re just like, ‘That’s an impossible subject. There’s no way that I’ll ever overcome that.’ You just need the right person to explain it to you and help you understand it.”
For those prone to starting things they never finish, trying to go it alone is rarely the answer. To succeed, you need someone to help keep you accountable. If you find someone to cheer you on, you’re more likely to stay motivated and not give up. In all things, but especially when it comes to completing your education, the key is to find your tribe, whether it’s comprised of family, friends, coaches or mentors. Sarah discovered this firsthand when she returned to EFSC. She made connections, used the resources available to her and learned that everyone here wanted to see her succeed, and in the end, that support has made all the difference.
- Faces on Campus: Winter Break Edition - December 15, 2021
- It’s Never Too Late - August 25, 2021
- Overcoming Barriers to Degree Completion - April 28, 2021
