Non-Traditional Student Success with Melody

Transcript

Hey, everyone. Education has always been central to my story. As the daughter of a history teacher, and now an educator myself, I’ve always believed learning should be lifelong, and that belief led me to National University. What drew me to National University was how intentionally it’s designed for ANDers, people balancing school, careers, and family at the same time.

As a full-time educator, a wife, and a mom to two daughters, I needed a program that truly understood the realities of working professionals. National University’s flexible course schedules and unique class structures made it possible for me to pursue my doctorate in organizational innovation while continuing to serve students in my community.

The program encouraged me to connect research directly to real-world challenges in education. During my time in the program, I was able to write and publish my book, Black Girl in the Middle, which focuses on improving the middle school experience for Black girls. That balance, family, career, scholarship, is something National University supports.

It allowed me to grow as a researcher while continuing to lead and serve in schools. One thing that stands out about National University is how well it supports working professionals and non-traditional students. Resources like the Nest Healthy Learning Center provide additional support from childcare and tutoring to Wi-Fi and technology so students can stay focused on their goals.

My experience at National University showed me that you don’t have to pause life to pursue your goals. As an ANDer, I was able to grow as a scholar while continuing my career and showing my daughters what it looks like to keep learning. That experience prepared me to keep leading and creating change.

That’s it for me. Thank you for letting me share my story.