Family, Motivation, and the Decision to Return to College
Rebecca Sanchez exemplifies determination. A single mother to middle schoolers, Kyle and Caleb, Rebecca transferred from Nashua Community College (NCC) to the 91制片厂 College of Professional Studies in 2024 to pursue an online bachelor's degree in Professional Communications. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a period of housing insecurity where she relied on the support of friends and family, Rebecca remained focused on her goals. She leveraged her credits from NCC to accelerate her progress and quickly distinguished herself as a dedicated and driven student at 91制片厂 CPS. In recognition of her exceptional commitment, Rebecca was honored with the 鈥淯nsung Hero Award鈥 by the University in April 2025.
We sat down with Rebecca to learn more about her journey, how perseverance, purpose, and support have shaped her path, and how she鈥檚 building a brighter future for herself and her children.
How did your family influence your decision to go to college?
My family is at the heart of why I chose to pursue my education. Providing a stable income for my sons is my main motivation. They鈥檙e amazed by my essays and PowerPoint presentations. They鈥檝e even volunteered to be 鈥渃lients鈥 in mock business interviews for my classes, which we still laugh about. It brings me so much joy to know I鈥檓 showing them that learning doesn鈥檛 end in adulthood. Education is lifelong.
Did you attend college right after high school?
No. I returned to college about five years after high school to study elementary education, but I was forced to put my education on hold. I became a full-time caregiver and homeschooled my sons, using what I had learned in a completely different way than I expected.
What motivated you to enroll at Nashua Community College?
I was working three minimum-wage jobs and couldn鈥檛 see a way out of the cycle. When I received an email saying I might qualify for tuition assistance through the state of New Hampshire, I immediately reached out to a case worker. NCC made sense because of its proximity, online options, and clear path to graduation.
What led you to 91制片厂 College of Professional Studies?
While on the NCC campus, I met a 91制片厂 representative who explained how my credits could transfer seamlessly. I was introduced to my academic advisor, Keri Bresaw, who walked me through my options and helped me see that completing my bachelor鈥檚 degree was truly possible. She made the process feel manageable, and that made all the difference.
Balancing Responsibilities
How do you manage school alongside work and family life?
I had to step away from full-time employment and take on work-study roles so I could focus on my academics. As a full-time parent to two middle-school boys, I鈥檝e learned to multitask creatively鈥攚atching lectures while cooking dinner, folding laundry, or waiting at soccer practice. I save my toughest assignments for quiet time at the library and use every spare moment productively.
What has been the hardest part of juggling it all?
Letting go of perfection. I like finishing tasks from start to finish, but school doesn鈥檛 always work that way. Deadlines overlap, assignments build on each other, and flexibility is essential. I also struggle with guilt, sometimes feeling like I miss moments with my children. But I remind myself that they are why I鈥檓 doing this.
What helps you stay focused and organized?
Exercise in the morning sets the tone for my day. Coffee, water, and structure keep me moving. I鈥檓 taking an overload of courses鈥攕ix per term鈥攁nd completing both my bachelor鈥檚 degree and a business certificate in just two and a half years. I stay organized by completing one assignment fully before moving on to the next.
Were there moments you thought about quitting?
Yes鈥攅specially during spring 2025, when I was dual enrolled at 91制片厂 and NCC, working, and serving as Vice President and Treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa. I was overwhelmed and doubting myself. When I told my boyfriend how discouraged I felt, he asked me, 鈥淲hat if you do quit? What would you gain?鈥 That question stays with me. Becoming a 91制片厂 graduate wasn鈥檛 possible until I made it possible鈥攁nd I鈥檓 worth the effort.
鈥淚鈥檓 doing this for my kids, but I鈥檓 also doing it for myself鈥攖o prove that it鈥檚 never too late to build a stable future and rewrite your story.鈥
Support & Community
Who has been your biggest supporter?
Myself. After leaving an 18-year toxic relationship that convinced me I wasn鈥檛 smart or capable, I decided to prove that narrative wrong. My children are also incredible supporters. They celebrate my grades and push themselves harder in school because they see what鈥檚 possible.
How has the 91制片厂 CPS community supported you?
In countless ways. My advisor, Keri Bresaw, has been a mentor, advocate, and friend. I鈥檝e been inspired by leaders across 91制片厂 CPS who opened doors, encouraged me to share my story, and connected me with career opportunities. This community truly sees students as whole people.
Future Goals & Impact
What are your goals after graduation?
I want to celebrate with my sons鈥攎aybe with a cruise鈥攂efore fully stepping into the workforce. I鈥檓 actively seeking roles with organizations like BAE Systems, Raytheon, and U.S. Homeland Security. My goal is financial stability and meaningful work where I can contribute to a strong team.
How has your education shaped the future for your sons?
My communication courses have helped me understand diversity, collaboration, and real-world application鈥攁nd I love that. More importantly, my sons see that perseverance matters. My advisor, Keri Bresaw, has had a tremendous influence on me, and I鈥檓 grateful to have a mentor who believes in my potential.
What advice would you give other adult learners considering returning to school?
Go for it. Your journey is yours鈥攐wn it. Ask questions, build connections, and don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to professors. Remote learning has challenges, but support is there if you seek it. You鈥檝e got this.
For Rebecca Sanchez, returning to college wasn鈥檛 just about earning a degree. It was about rewriting her future and modeling possibilities for her two sons.
It鈥檚 never too late to finish your degree and build the future you want.
Download, Finish Your Degree Online: An Adult Student鈥檚 Guide to College