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Ready to ApplyDannae Sewell
Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an Education Concentration, 2010
Master of Arts in Education with Higher Education Specialization
"I feel validated as a student and an employee – my persistence has been rewarded!"
The plan, as is evident from her choice of majors, is to teach. "Initially student teaching was an issue, considering the fact that I work full-time and care for my family. However, I have now found programs like Teach for America, Career Switchers, or the Inner City Residency program, that will allow me to work full-time and still get credentialed. That will be my next step after Ashford."
Dannae credits her diploma for the confidence and determination she now exudes. "I moved from being a negative statistic to a positive and productive member of my community. The smile from graduation has not been removed from my face, and with that comes the notion that if I could do it once then I can do it again!"
Like most adult learners, Dannae's path to academic achievement has not been free from challenges. A single mother to her seven-year-old son, Elijah, and the guardian of her seven-year-old cousin, Zion, Dannae has had her hands full. "I have faced financial struggles, and there were times I felt as though I couldn't go on, but it is the struggles that make the victories taste even sweeter. I had always dreamed of having my son see me graduate; I ended up with two proud young boys watching me walk across the stage."
Dannae also recently discovered that her employer, Bright Horizons, has made an alliance agreement with Ashford University. "The benefits of this agreement ease a financial burden that I have not always been able to bear. It has taken the burden of books, given other perks like 5% savings on tuition, and has waived certain fees. I feel validated as a student and an employee - my persistence has been rewarded!"