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Ready to ApplyAntonella Scarsella
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
"I knew I was in the right place. My degree was going to come from a reputable university."
"I decided to move to Houston, Texas in hopes of finding more possibilities for work and a better income. There, I began working for a restaurant chain company as an Assistant Manager. I had to leave my children with strangers while I worked two hours away. This was the beginning of my career as a manager and an accountant." Today, Antonella is remarried and she has had a rich and successful career. Because of her versatility in speaking different languages (she is fluently tri-lingual in English, Spanish, and Italian), she has had the opportunity to work in several Latin American countries. She opened multiple franchises as a VIP Manager and Trainer in the chain wholesale supermarket industry, and earned several awards for her work.
Even with all her success, Antonella still wanted to finish her college degree. But, she explains, her first priority was always her children. "Being a single mother, I had to sacrifice the dream of earning a degree so that my children could accomplish their dreams first. I am proud to say that my daughter graduated magna cum laude with two majors and one minor, and is now successfully working in corporate America making ten times more than what I made when I was her age."
Eventually, Antonella reached a point in her career where she could not progress any higher without a degree. After meeting her current husband, Antonella applied for jobs in Dallas, Texas so that she might move closer to him. Because of her work experience, she was offered a position as a Vice President of a health manufacturing company. "I passed the interview with flying colors until I was questioned about my educational background. I was turned down because I did not have a degree."
Ever the example of determination, Antonella decided that she could no longer put off her dream of going to college. For months, she diligently researched universities. She wanted to make sure the program she chose was legitimate and respected. "I came across a school that had been in establishment since 1918. When I contacted the school, I had a wonderful experience with Bryan Aylward, a Student Services Administrator. I did my research and found that Ashford University's entire curriculum for accounting was compatible with the state university's curriculum I was familiar with. I knew I was in the right place. My degree was going to come from a reputable university."
After a lifetime of overcoming obstacles, Antonella was finally pursuing the one dream that had not yet come true. "Since beginning my degree in September 2009, my life has completely changed. I am a new person. I have acquired so much knowledge! My career has taken a different path and I am no longer stuck in that old education' mode. I am up-to-date with the new millennium!"
Antonella maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans to graduate in summer 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. After graduation, true to her ambitious personality, she aims to continue her education and earn her Master of Arts degree.
Update:
Antonella is making her way through her degree and still loving the experience. "Every new class gives me the opportunity to appreciate the quality of teachers at Ashford. And the more I interact in the discussions, the more knowledge I gain. This system is great – it really works. I am so close to achieving my dream, thanks to Ashford."
Antonella still plans to pursue a graduate degree after graduation, and also has a new dream of becoming an Ashford instructor. She is working for the same company, and proudly reports that she has received a raise since we last spoke. "My company also decided to help me pay for school – when they see my grades, I make them proud. They talk about my success." Antonella certainly has some great successes to celebrate – she has been invited to become a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, and still maintains her 4.0 GPA.