By Amanda Collins | Honor Society Member, Class of 2026
There is something incredibly rewarding about working toward a goal that, at one point in your life, may have seemed completely out of reach.
For me, that goal has been earning my college degree while raising four daughters and navigating everything that comes with being a military spouse, mother, and student.
I’m 40 years old, and I’m just weeks away from completing my Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology at the University of Phoenix. And honestly, when I look back at everything it took to get here, I can’t help but feel proud.
But my journey hasn’t always been easy.
Finding My Way Back to Education
In July 2021, I earned my associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University. That accomplishment meant so much to me because it reminded me that I was capable of achieving things outside of my responsibilities as a wife and mother.
I love being a mom. My four daughters are a huge part of who I am, but I’ve also learned how important it is to have goals and dreams of my own.
Returning to school meant figuring out how to balance assignments, deadlines, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws at you.
There have been late nights, stressful weeks, and plenty of moments when I wondered how I was going to get everything done.
But I kept going.
And throughout my bachelor’s degree program, I’ve consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List.
That is something I’m incredibly proud of, especially knowing everything I’ve had to balance along the way.
Motherhood Doesn’t Mean Putting Your Dreams on Hold
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that becoming a mother doesn’t mean you have to stop pursuing your own dreams.
Sometimes those dreams take longer than expected. Sometimes the path looks completely different from what you originally imagined.
And sometimes you’re working on a college assignment while also answering questions from four kids who all seem to need something at the exact same time. That’s just real life, lol.
But I’ve come to realize that my daughters aren’t just watching me work toward a degree. They’re watching me set goals, overcome challenges, and follow through with something that matters to me.
I want them to grow up knowing that their circumstances, age, or responsibilities don’t have to determine what they’re capable of accomplishing.
If there’s one thing I hope they take away from watching my journey, it’s that you should never give up on yourself.
Discovering My Passion for Psychology
As I’ve continued my education, my interest in psychology has grown into something much bigger than simply earning a degree.
I’ve always been interested in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do.
I also believe that everyone has a story, and sometimes the struggles people face aren’t visible to the outside world.
Studying psychology has helped me develop a deeper understanding of mental health, human behavior, and the importance of empathy.
It’s also helped me realize what I want to do with my future.
My long-term goal is to become a licensed mental health counselor.
After graduating in November 2026, I plan to begin working toward my master’s degree in January 2027.
I want a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, particularly during moments when they may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of where to turn.
It’s Okay to Start Later
I think society sometimes makes us feel like we should have everything figured out by a certain age.
A career by 25. Financial stability by 30. All our goals accomplished by 40.
But life doesn’t always happen according to a timeline.
I’m 40 years old, raising four daughters, and preparing to graduate with my bachelor’s degree.
And you know what?
I’m not behind.
I’m exactly where my journey has brought me, and I’m still moving forward.
There is no expiration date on education, personal growth, or finding your purpose.
Whether you’re 20, 40, or 60, you are still allowed to dream about what comes next.
Looking Toward the Future
As graduation gets closer, I find myself reflecting on how far I’ve come.
I’m proud of the academic accomplishments, but I’m even more proud of the determination it took to reach them.
Every completed assignment, every Dean’s List recognition, and every semester I’ve pushed through has brought me closer to a future I’ve worked hard to build.
And while completing my bachelor’s degree will be a major milestone, I know it’s only the beginning.
My next chapter includes graduate school, pursuing professional licensure, and eventually building a career dedicated to helping others.
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that success doesn’t have to happen on anyone else’s timeline.
You can be a mother and a student. You can have responsibilities and ambitions. You can start over, change directions, and discover new dreams at any age.
And most importantly, you can be proud of where you are while still working toward where you want to be.
At 40 years old, I’m not finishing my journey.
I’m just getting started.
Amanda Collins is a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology student at the University of Phoenix, a mother of four daughters, and an aspiring mental health counselor. She expects to graduate in November 2026 and plans to pursue graduate studies in January 2027.
