Posted: 5/5/2008
For Emma Smith, the road to Brown Mackie College - South Bend, although only a short distance from home, was a rambling and challenging affair, as demanding as they come. After six years in the Army Reserves, becoming a mother, and working a full-time job, Emma finally, in her own words, "[got] up enough nerve to actually go back to school."
She remembers from those years: "My sense of self-worth was very low. I was trapped in a job that was going nowhere fast, and had an overwhelming feeling of un-fulfillment of life, career, and educational goals." So, in 2003, she dove headfirst into her course work at Brown Mackie College - South Bend and never looked back.
The flexibility of being able to take classes day or night, and the unwavering support of faculty Bill Hansen, Althea Etheridge, and Linda Sayre, provided Emma with the foundation she needed to finish school after so many years. She excelled in classes such as Juvenile Justice, Family Law, and Criminal Procedure while spending her time outside of class raising a family and working full-time.
After graduating from Brown Mackie College - South Bend with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree in 2003, Emma explained, "My family, friends, and co-workers were proud of me and most importantly, I was proud of myself. Graduating magna cum laude from Brown Mackie College has given me such a confidence boost that I feel that there is nothing that I can't achieve."
In April 2007, Emma continued her studies at Brown Mackie College - South Bend and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree. Emma was accepted to a graduate program at University of Indiana - South Bend, where she currently is working towards a master's degree in Social Work. In addition to her success inside the classroom, she was proud to report, "both my kids made 'A-honor roll' throughout this time as well."
Emma said of her recent achievement,
"Brown Mackie College - South Bend laid the foundation for the educational success that I have achieved thus far.
You can't build anything in life without a solid foundation!" Perhaps that foundation is where she finds the strength to work, when she's not in school, as a Family Development Consultant with REAL Services, Inc. And, despite her incredible personal resolve,
patience and hard work, Emma never hesitates to credit her husband as "the most supportive, caring, and selfless man in all of Indiana." Emma Smith's
road to success has had many twists and turns along the way, but with the solid educational background she built at Brown Mackie College - South Bend, and the support of faculty and family, the road ahead looks clear and promising.
Personal Attention, Professional Growth
www.brownmackie.edu