Reaching Higher Ed with Life-Changing Scholarships
For 15 years, Nashville resident Nicole Buchanan dedicated herself to raising her family. But amidst the joys and challenges of motherhood, she dreamed of going back to school.
After reentering the workforce, she began exploring possibilities and discovered Western Governors University. She was drawn to the innovative, online model and the promise of an accessible and affordable education. She soon enrolled to pursue her bachelor’s degree.
Nicole had previously earned an associate degree in accounting and computer science, but now she would need to balance family and work responsibilities with the demands of her coursework. She thrived in WGU’s flexible model, propelled by her desire to not only earn a degree but to truly engage in the process and acquire as much knowledge as possible about her field.
Having spent years working at a local elementary school, her newly acquired Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management allowed her to move to the county’s district office. She now works as a business administrator at Metro Nashville Public Schools, which perfectly aligned with her passions for education and public service.
“After earning a bachelor’s degree, I was qualified for better positions,” said Nicole. “I knew I had to keep going.”
Two pivotal moments for Nicole came in the form of two scholarships: an Ingram Scholarship, funded by WGU Tennessee Board Chair John Ingram (which propelled her journey from local elementary school to the district office) and a Tenn-K $10,000 scholarship from WGU Tennessee.
“I’m resourceful, but the scholarships I received, particularly the Ingram Scholarship, allowed our family to be secure while I pursued my education,” she said. “The assistance, coupled with WGU’s flexible education model, gave me the assurance and confidence I needed to complete my degrees and allowed my family and me to continue our volunteer work in our communities.”
Through the support of donors and supporters like Ingram, students across Tennessee like Nicole can kickstart their journey to achieving their education goals. The scholarships not only provided financial support but also served as a catalyst for her continued success and service to her community.
With one degree in hand, Nicole continued her education at WGU. She went on to get her master’s degree in management and leadership, followed by another Bachelor of Science degree, this time in accounting.
As she looks to the future, Nicole’s aspirations remain as ambitious as ever. With her sights set on pursuing a doctorate and exploring certifications related to her field, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education and the value of accessible, affordable learning.
“I have a strong desire to make the most of this life,” said Nicole. “I don’t want to waste the opportunity. I waited so long to do this, to invest in myself.”
