When I graduated high school, I had every intention of going to college and getting my bachelor's degree just like "normal" people. Life however, had a different plan for me. I started my freshman year at Western Kentucky University. While at WKU, I was 8 hours away from my parents at the age of 17 and became home sick.

When I moved home my parents said, "I either needed to go to college or find a job but I couldn't just sit around and do nothing." So, I decided to do both. That following August I started school as a full-time student, and by December I was working my first job at a clothing store. Two years later, I graduated with my Associates Degree from Columbus Technical College in Early Childhood.

After graduating and working at a daycare, I decided that I wasn't done furthering my education. I chose to go get my bachelor's in communications at Jacksonville State University. While being here, I have been able to use Associates Degree to maintain a job.

Receiving my Associates Degree first, has benefited me while being able to get my bachelor's degree. I have been able to work jobs that have paid over minimum wage. The advantage of working in daycare's are that I am only working Monday – Friday. This has still allowed me to have a college experience.

I believe that securing my "plan b" has made me more marketable. I now have four years of experience in the education field. My resume will also reflect how I was able to maintain a career while also being a full-time student. In all, I will always have my associate degree to fall back on if I do not succeed in the communications field. Although, I lost some of my credits transferring from a technical school to a university, I still feel like I made the best decision for me.