Taeya Mills
I had plans to go to a state college after graduating from high school, but found out that I was expecting my now 3-year-old son and would need to find schooling elsewhere. Herzing opened their doors and explained to me that they would offer support throughout my transition. I could tell that they wanted to see me become successful.
My son has been my world and he has inspired me day in and day out to push myself and finish school. On August 3, 2017, I gave birth to a child without a heartbeat. My world was destroyed. I stopped logging into my classes, and I didn't do a discussion post or complete an assignment. I was depressed. Several weeks later, I received an email from Herzing stating that I was being withdrawn from my classes due to academic failure.
At that point, I had nothing left in me and really didn't care to continue. I cried and thought to myself, “I have a baby watching. I can’t fail him.” I emailed the dean and my advisers and told them my story. They helped me through it and offered support emotionally and academically and allowed me to continue.
I pushed myself over the next few months to finish my degree. I had to delay my graduation date, but I never lost sight of my goal. I can proudly say that I was able to bring my GPA up and I finished my last few courses with a 4.0 GPA.
Herzing means everything to me. The instructors and staff have become my family and they were the reason I was able to complete my degree. I have been blessed with a job in my field, and I am now employed as a case manager at a local correction and treatment facility.
My advice for others is continue to push yourself. Even when you feel like giving up, push onwards.
Taeya Mills
Public Safety Student