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Ready to ApplyCaprena Ross
Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship
"I have learnt that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." - Booker T. WashingtonCaprena Ross, of Columbus, Ohio, explains that these words of Booker T. Washington remind her why she is pursuing her Bachelor's degree and drive her to stay motivated and determined. Caprena is new to Ashford University - she is currently nearing the end of her second class - but she already feels more confident. "I am excited to say I earned a B+ in my first course. This is a great accomplishment for me since I have been out of school for over 20 years."
Caprena made the decision to pursue her Bachelor's degree after the tragic death of her 23-year-old son at the hand of a gunman. "After losing my only son, I asked myself how I could help others, since I could not help him. What could I do or say to show someone a better way of life, of success, and of faith? I realized that I could help people by telling them about the importance of education. In order to succeed, education must be key. No doors can open without it. But before I could help others, I needed to help myself." The first step was to complete her college degree.
After researching various institutions, Caprena found Ashford University. "Ashford was one of the few universities that made me realize I must have an institution that is aligned with my values and goals in order to succeed. When I read Ashford's mission statement, I was pleased to find it aligned with the values I live by daily." Once enrolled in her first course, Caprena found that the experience pushed her to improve her skills in time management and in communication, and she has been happy to find both a blooming social environment with her fellow online classmates and a quality academic experience with her instructors. "I am blessed to have great instructors who challenge me each and every day. There are no corners cut just because we are online students. They make sure I obtain the same level of learning as if I were on campus."
Although Caprena is not entirely decided on what the future will hold after her 2014 graduation date, she feels certain that she will find the best path to achieve her goal of helping others. To begin with, she is telling everyone she meets about Ashford. To prospective students, she gives candid advice: "There will be challenges, setbacks, and obstacles along the way. There will be days you do not feel like logging into class or writing a paper. There may even be times when your family and friends do not understand your mission. Yes, there will be many days such as this. On these days, I remember the Booker T. Washington quote."
Washington's words remind Caprena that her obstacles are precisely what will define her success. "My goal is to show others that there is always room for growth. I have so much to offer to others who seek help, and right now Ashford University is providing me with the tools I need to unlock the possibilities that are waiting for me. How about you? What are you waiting for? There is a door out there that is waiting for you."
Update:
Caprena is working hard and looking forward to her July 2014 graduation date. Although she's busy, Caprena loves being in school. "It is a great challenge to go to school and work full-time, not to mention remaining active in my community. Don't get me wrong – this at times becomes overwhelming – but I have come too far to fail now." Caprena credits her determination in part to her classmates. "They let me know that there is no such thing as quitting what you have started; instead, there is perseverance."