Melanie’s Story
“My experience with the Bachelor of University Studies program at the University of Maine has been incredible! It first began in 2005 with a random visit to the Hutchison Center. I had the opportunity to speak to a wonderful man who reminded me of my own educational goals, how much I had already accomplished, and how obtainable my bachelor’s degree really was. I was given credit for almost all of the classes I had taken over my adult life – even the computer/DOS class in the early 1990s! After a few years (around 2008), I had to pause once again, challenged by the work-parent-wife-school balance.
Unfortunately, I put finishing my degree, not just on the back burner, but in the back corner of the cupboard to collect dust. I had resigned myself to be OK with this goal not being achieved. Shame on me – especially when this program allows so much flexibility! Just before I turned 50 (in 2018) and after talking to a co-worker of the same age who was going back to school, taking advantage of the Adult Degree Scholarship, I realized that the time to do this is NOW. Our daughter is grown (23) with a child of her own (our grandson Arlo, just a couple of months old). My husband and I had finally found our groove with the whole empty nest thing, and work was manageable and extremely supportive, so back to school I went! I didn’t realize how close I was to my degree; over 80 credits of my required 120.
From the moment I made the decision to finally finish what I started, I have been surrounded by an incredible support system – from help finding financial aid/scholarships to understanding what I have left to take to finish my degree. EVERY department at the University of Maine has been kind, supportive, and optimistic.
I love that, by December 2021 (hopefully), I will be a graduate of the University of Maine, with a Bachelor of University Studies, Division of Lifelong Learning degree. A true Maine Black Bear! This program is an opportunity for adult learners to finish what they started and achieve the long-term goal of a Bachelor’s degree.”
– Melanie Berry