Tess Blanchard began her college career at 45 after being inspired by her children.
杏吧专区淚t was not until my children were succeeding in their college years that I began to believe in myself enough to attempt furthering my education,杏吧专区 she said.
Although she didn杏吧专区檛 decide to start her college journey until later in life, the decision to attend UL Lafayette happened quickly.
杏吧专区淚 was fortunate enough to be born in a city that happens to have a top-rate university with a beautiful campus in the center of it, so the choice was clear as to where to attend,杏吧专区 she said.
杏吧专区淥nce I began my education at UL Lafayette, I quickly found the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Human Development & Family Science to be the best fit. My peers and I have similar beliefs, goals, and we want to be of the most help to our communities once we finish school.杏吧专区
Education Made Personal
Tess杏吧专区檚 decision to pursue a degree in Human Development & Family Science was very personal for her.
杏吧专区淎t a low point in my life years ago, I was given a second chance at life,杏吧专区 Tess recalled. 杏吧专区淚 am majoring in human development and family science because I needed to give back and help to educate and advocate for those families that are struggling or are in crisis.杏吧专区
After enduring a failed marriage, Tess became an alcoholic while grappling with her sexuality.
杏吧专区淚 knew that I was gay for years and married men anyway to try to be normal,杏吧专区 she recalled. 杏吧专区淚n November 2007, I took my last drink and got help.
"I should be dead right now, much less pursuing a graduate degree. I wish I hadn't wasted so many years trying to be what I thought everyone else wanted me to be or what I thought was safe to be instead of being who I really am today.杏吧专区
Since enrolling at UL Lafayette, Tess has been involved in the Honors Program as well as the and . These programs, and her courses, have taught her communication, critical thinking, leadership, and time management skills, which will help her in her future careers.
Major Courses
Tess has been particularly impacted by two professors.
Dr. Sean Jefferson taught her Introduction to Child and Family Studies (CAFS 101) course and offered guidance and assurance as she transferred to UL Lafayette from (SLCC).
Dr. Anne Branscum taught another one of Tess杏吧专区檚 favorite classes, Family Resource Management (CAFS 350). Dr. Branscum is also helping Tess prepare for graduate school and offering guidance.
Tess is also working closely with Dr. Branscum as an undergraduate research assistant for the Human Development & Family Science program.
杏吧专区淪he is co-authoring a new textbook with Dr. Janice Weber, a former professor at UL Lafayette,杏吧专区 Tess explained. 杏吧专区淚'm helping them with some editing, sources, and making PowerPoint slides for the chapters that will be taught.杏吧专区
This accessibility to professors, advisors, and faculty is Tess杏吧专区檚 favorite aspect of the Human Development & Family Science program, as well as one of her favorite things about the 杏吧专区 as a whole. She also enjoys the beautiful campus, and the diverse organizations available to students.
杏吧专区淯L Lafayette is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can feel welcomed and encouraged to continue one杏吧专区檚 education and make dreams come true,杏吧专区 Tess said.
