Traveler, Adventurer, and Now Graduate In Environmental Science, BS STEM In My 40s

Hello

So this is me. When my son started boy scouts, I tried just being a mom in the background. It didn’t last long and before I knew it, I was his Assistant Scoutmaster. There was so much for me to learn about being a steward, leader, and educator of the outdoors. The BSA offers many different training and certification programs. I quickly took all the training and certifications I could. I loved learning and being able to give back to our troop and our community.

In 2016, I was offered the chance to attend Wood Badge. Wood Badge is a premier advanced leadership course dating back to 1919. Created by Baden Powell to teach leadership and team building in an outdoor setting. It was during this course that I realized, I love giving back and the outdoors. I loved camping and if there was a way for me to do it all, I would. Being a park ranger or working at a campground, sounded like a dream job. After a little research, it looked more and more that I would need a degree to pursue this dream. I started researching schools right away. WOOD BADGE

As a single mom, already working more than one job, online college was my only option. With working, volunteering, and being a single mom with a teenager, my time was limited. SNHU was not my first choice and not the first school I enrolled in. I won’t mention the first school by name but I did attend for just over two years. School was not always easy and was I not an honor student. I did my best and there were times when life got in the way and I had to drop classes or take a short absence.

Finding SNHU was a game-changer. I love my advisor, Kathy, the program, and all the support. SNHU is there for its students, and it shows. I won’t sugar coat it, taking college classes later in life, is no joke. The last year and last few terms, were definitely the hardest. When I realized I was earning a STEM degree, I kinda freaked out. Yes, I took physics and coding classes more than once. Thanks to amazing teachers and their support, I got through them. Earning an A in both classes! SNHU

I attended the last two years of schooling on the road, traveling in our RV across America. Working part-time remotely, workamping, and attending online classes, was not easy, but I’m so proud to say I did it. I don’t think I could have finished without the amazing support of JW and my son. Being able to walk in person after years of online learning, made it seem real. I am so glad I was able to walk and graduate in person at SNHU.

What now? For now, we are enjoying traveling in our RV and workamping along the way. My next goal is to work for a National Park or National Forest, as a park ranger. I look forward to working in the outdoors or in outdoor education. I’m excited and proud of my accomplishment and I’m so excited to see what comes next. I hope you follow along with our adventures to see what comes next.