Inspired by my mother's success, I chose Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) because I needed an affordable way to find my path in life. Here, I met supportive, caring teachers who encouraged me to pursue psychology and creative writing, my two greatest passions.

When I was expecting my second child, I looked at my life and wanted more for my children. I decided to go to A-B Tech. I knew the only way I would be able to give them the life they deserved was by going back to school.

As a single mother of three children, I always knew that my high school diploma was never going to be enough. High school was always a challenge for me, so the idea of college was daunting.

In 2010, I lost my partner after a four and a half year battle with breast cancer. A few years later, I decided to sell our company and begin the journey into a new career. This involved going back to college at the age of 40.