Thee Graduation + Anniversary| Ashley N., B.A., M.S. Class of 2014

It seems so surreal that I have completed my graduate program through Walden University in a year and some odd months. After I earned my bachelor degree in Communications and concentration in Human Comm. I didn't want to go back to school. It was until I got inspiration around me that pushed me to further my education.

Keyword, education...I didn't go back to school to "get a better job" or in hopes to earn more money because I knew whatever God wanted to happen in my life with or without a master's He would make that happen. I did this to challenge myself, learn more about the nonprofit sector field and strengthen my research skills.

Let me tell you how God works! I graduated from undergrad school with a GPA around 2.4 therefore I had to go into my master’s program on special circumstances in which I had to write an essay why I wanted to enter the program and how I will vow to earn a certain GPA. That freaked me out on so many levels because I wasn’t ready nor use to taking courses solely online under strict rules.

I say all this to say that prayer works and a relationship with Him is the icing on the cake. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA!!! I left my part-time job to pursue my education in June 2013 but started the program Dec. 2012. I’ve endured a lot and continue to face challenges, tests, obstacles, and literally fight for everything I get and want. Nothing has ever came easy for me and everything that I have it from me putting in work and God directing my steps. I'm sad I won't be able to attend my graduation in jan. 2015 but everything happens for a reason...

I’d like to leave a few words to my future family. What I earn isn’t something I will become. I wear many hats and they are attached to my purpose. We will not allow anything or anyone to taint what God has ordained. No one will block our blessings. To my unborn children I want you both to have everything I didn’t have & more, but hard work and a relationship with God is the foundation. Don’t allow others to make you feel as though you aren’t worthy. To my future husband, I can’t wait to meet you, my adulthood best friend in which I have a strong desire to have but until then let’s not settle for what looks to be good but what God wants for us.