My Educational Journey Thus Far

When I look back on my educational journey, it’s been anything but a straight line. There have been detours, pauses, and restarts—but each step has shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally.

After graduating high school in the spring of 2008, I enrolled at Three Rivers Community College in the fall. My goal was clear: earn an associate’s degree in Drafting and Design with an option in Technology.

I quickly discovered I had a knack for both the technical and the academic sides of the program. My writing classes and math courses went well, and I loved my drafting classes. I was even honored when the college approached me to tutor for some of the drafting and math courses—something that really boosted my confidence as a student and future professional.

Unfortunately, life threw me a curveball late in the fall of 2009 through the spring of 2010. My vehicle at the time was unreliable, and I missed too many classes to finish the academic year strong. I was forced to drop two of my courses—Computer Literacy and Seminar. My plan was to retake them in spring of 2011, but before that could happen, I was offered a welding job that paid more than most entry-level drafting positions at the time. I took the job, and with it came 72-hour work weeks that left no time to finish my degree.

Some might call it dropping out, but I’ve always seen it as making the best decision for that stage of my life. I had a plan—work hard while I was young and my body could take it, then transition to a desk job later on. Now, I’m not old by any means (mid-30s), but years of hard physical labor have taken their toll. My body just can’t handle that kind of work anymore, and that’s why I’ve moved into a career that keeps me at a desk instead of on my feet.

Fast-forward to over a decade later, in the fall of 2021, I enrolled in Ashworth College’s online Career Diploma program in AutoCAD. I poured myself into the work, graduating with Honors and earning a spot on the Dean’s List.

Now, I’m standing at the edge of my next big chapter. In just one week, I’ll begin my online studies at Arkansas State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. If all goes according to plan, I’ll graduate in the spring of 2029. But I’m not stopping there—my sights are already set on earning my M.Arch from Arizona State University’s accredited online program.

And after that? I’ll be diving into the Architect Registration Examinations (AREs) with the goal of becoming a licensed architect—a dream I’ve been chasing since the beginning.

It’s been a long road to get here, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the scenic route often gives you the best view of where you’re headed.