From growing up as a competitive dancer to pursuing a law degree, Haley has had quite the journey. He is a James Madison High School grad and knew he’d do well in an online college program with Ashworth. Here are a few insights from our finalist!
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It’s that time of year! We’re here to recognize and celebrate our amazing Ashworth College Graduate of the Year finalists! Our five finalists were selected out of nearly 100 submissions from recent graduates. The decision was very difficult, but as you read more about these finalists, you’ll see why they were selected. We are so proud of our finalists–and all of our graduates–for working hard to finish their programs and achieve their goals!
Let’s meet Ashworth’s Graduate of the Year finalists!
Jump ahead:
From growing up as a competitive dancer to pursuing a law degree, Haley has had quite the journey. He is a James Madison High School grad and knew he’d do well in an online college program with Ashworth. Here are a few insights from our finalist!
AW: What made you choose Ashworth College?
Haley: The convenience and flexibility made it an easy choice for me, especially since it fit well with my busy schedule at the time.
AW: Why did you choose to study Criminal Justice?
Haley: I was looking for a career in the field, and the curriculum at Ashworth resonated with me. It provided a solid foundation in the subject, which aligned with my career aspirations.
AW: What was your favorite part of the program?
Haley: The electives were definitely a highlight. I appreciated the variety, particularly courses like court law, legal research, and writing. These subjects allowed me to customize my learning experience and dive deeper into areas of interest.
AW: How has your degree helped you in your career?
Haley: I’m currently working as a paralegal in a law firm focusing on civil law. While my criminal law studies didn’t directly apply, the skills I gained in legal writing, research, and understanding the law have been invaluable.
AW: What advice do you have for future students?
Haley: My biggest tip is to explore topics beyond the curriculum. Don’t just rely on the course material—research and dig deeper into areas that interest you. This approach not only enhances your learning but also prepares you better for future courses and your career.
Read more: Are Online College Degrees Worth It? (Stories From Online College Grads)
Star is a busy person! She is a proud wife and mother, working full-time for a nonprofit and part-time at an ER. She also owns a small business named Star Lashelle Fashion, where she plans fashion events and designs and styles clothing.
AW: You’re incredibly busy! Education seems to have played a big role in your life. Can you share more about that?
Star: Since graduating high school, I’ve gone to over six universities/colleges. Attending Ashworth was one of the first programs I was able to complete—three different programs. I’ve been able to use them for my small business, and my business is successful because of my education at Ashworth. I have a Small Business Management Diploma, a Floral Design Diploma, and a Personal Stylist Diploma. I’ve also been promoted and advanced in my full-time job because of my education and skills.
AW: That’s fantastic! What does education mean to you personally?
Star: Education means, to me, personal and professional growth and development. I love to learn and not only apply my knowledge to my job but to life. Achieving a diploma or degree is a reflection of persistence and determination.
AW: It’s clear that learning is important to you. Outside of your work and education, what else do you have going on?
Star: I help my mother take care of my grandmother, who has congestive heart failure. I’ve attended home physical therapy sessions with my grandmother through recovery after being in the hospital. I’ve also volunteered in my downtown area during the holiday season.
Star has stacked multiple diplomas to help her grow her small business and get promoted. She proves it’s possible to complete your degree while working full-time and taking care of your family.
Alicia was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, and is a married mother of four. She works in Washington, D.C., providing support to families in need. She recently earned her bachelor’s in psychology from Ashworth College.
AW: What does having a degree mean to you?
Alicia: Earning an education with you has meant a lot to me. It has enabled me to secure a better job and, more importantly, equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to help people effectively. Through my education, I've been able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families, guiding them towards better outcomes and improved well-being.
AW: It’s wonderful to hear how your education has impacted your career. Speaking of your career, what has your journey been like so far?
Alicia:My career advancement has been quite fulfilling. Working as a substance abuse case manager has given me numerous opportunities to learn and continue my education. This role allows me to help others in the community, providing support and guidance to those struggling with addiction. Additionally, I've had the chance to collaborate with community leaders, including council members, to bring awareness to important issues and inform others about what’s happening in the community. These experiences have enriched my professional journey and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact.
AW: That’s incredible. Your work clearly makes a big difference. I’m curious—do you have any volunteer experiences you’d like to share?
Alicia: I'd love to share more about my volunteer work and caretaking. I volunteer at the food bank at Urban Outreach in Washington, D.C., helping to address food insecurity in areas like Southeast D.C., which are often food deserts. Additionally, I assist those in need with travel training, teaching them how to use the Metro and access transportation options. This work is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to support and empower community members in meaningful ways.
Read more: Is Online College Easier or Harder?
Quitisha Morris, a 37-year-old mother of three from Greenville, Mississippi, has always been driven by her passion for criminal justice. Her path to earning her degrees has been marked by determination, resilience, and the desire to create a better future for her children. So, what motivates her to keep going?
Quitisha: It has not always been easy juggling school, working full-time, and being a full-time mother. Sometimes I would start and finish a semester and then have to withdraw to focus more on work and my home life, but I was always determined and motivated to give my children something to look up to.
AW: What were some challenges you faced while completing your studies?
Quitisha: The most challenging part to completing my studies was having to cope with 2 of my children’s disabilities, both of which are autism spectrum disorder. This made me get back into school and stay in until I finished.
AW: How did Ashworth College support you in achieving your educational goals?
Quitisha: Ashworth College made it very convenient for me to be able to work full-time while being a single mother of 3 and complete my online studies on a self-paced basis. My instructors and student advisors were always available, the assignments and quizzes were well-written out and understandable, the monthly payment plans were affordable, and most of all, I earned a 3.0 GPA!
She has achieved so much already, but she’s not done! Quitisha is working on her master’s with a goal of becoming a teacher upon graduation.
Rossalinna Burk, a 45-year-old laureate poet from the Dominican Republic, moved to the United States in 2013. Her journey has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for literature and numbers.
Rossalinna: I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I worked as a librarian and social-cultural manager and was always involved in literature. I had to choose between my job as a public employee and finishing my college education. For survival, I chose the job, but it left me frustrated as I couldn’t complete my bachelor’s degree.
AW: How did you cope with that frustration after moving to the U.S.?
Rossalinna: I thought I was condemned to not having a career and depending on my husband for most living expenses, working as an underpaid housekeeper or warehouse worker for the rest of my life. I believed that until I came across an internet ad about Ashworth College offering online education, low cost, on your own time, with affordable financing options.
AW: What drew you to Ashworth College, and how did you decide on Bookkeeping?
Rossalinna: Scrolling through the available programs, I found Bookkeeping. As an expert survivor from a third-world country, I recognize an opportunity when I see it. This was mine. I had $30 in my bank account, and with that: boom! I was in. The enrollment was fast and easy, and the payments were totally affordable for me, an unemployed immigrant.
AW: How has your experience been as a student at Ashworth College?
Rossalinna: The staff is very responsive and helpful. In Ashworth College, you feel like at home when it comes to support. The course material is accurate and covers every topic in depth. There is room for both: making mistakes and fixing them with the multiple resources available. As a student, I couldn’t be more satisfied and thankful.
AW: What message would you like to share with others who might be in a similar situation?
Rossalinna: I will simply say: Thank you for helping me to discover that there are always better options for the ones who don’t give up looking, despite age, economic and social status, geographic limitations, self-doubts, and fears.
Rossalinna Burk’s story shows that you can change your life if you keep going and stay open to new opportunities. Thanks to Ashworth College, she’s found her love for learning again and discovered new possibilities she once thought were out of reach. Her journey proves that it’s never too late to start fresh and pursue your dreams.
Earning a degree or certificate from an online school like Ashworth College can help you move forward in your career, give you an alternative to traditional colleges, and potentially increase your earning potential. Ashworth College students come from all over the world to learn more about their passions and earn an associate's degree, a bachelor’s degree, a career diploma, or an undergraduate certificate.
If you’ve been inspired by our graduates’ stories, call our Admissions Team at 1-800-957-5412 or request more information to learn more about our degree programs and career diplomas.
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