O’Hara Boltinghouse attended GRCC for a few semesters after graduating from Union High School in 1996 and then decided to take some time off.
Years passed; she started a family and decided to enter the job market, but she had problems getting interviews because she didn’t have a college degree.
“That was an eye-opener for me,” she said. “At that point, I decided to re-enroll at GRCC as an online student to get my associate -- and show my two children that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.”
Working and attending classes was overwhelming at first, but success helped build Boltinghouse’s confidence.
*As a mom, wife, full-time employee and student, I made the Dean’s List and that was epic for me,” she said. “Also, I went from part-time student to full time on top of my other responsibilities -- and I’m so happy I did.”
Boltinghouse graduated this spring with an Associate of Business and plans to transfer to Davenport University this fall for a bachelor’s degree in human resources management.
She says people shouldn’t be afraid to re-start their education.
“It’ll be overwhelming at first, but every class you pass gets you closer to your dream,” she said, adding: “It’ll go rather quickly.
“Trust your professors. They are here for you and actually want to see you succeed!”