For many years, a sense of unfinished business lingered in the back of Lisa Dugal杏吧专区檚 mind.
As part of the first graduating class from the local St. Thomas More High School, her Lafayette roots run deep. She had dreams of earning her degree from UL Lafayette.
杏吧专区淚 enrolled after high school, and I did that off and on for a few years. My focus just wasn杏吧专区檛 there,杏吧专区 she recalls.
Life took over 杏吧专区 marriage in 1988, raising a family, supporting her husband杏吧专区檚 career, and moving to Mandeville, Louisiana.
But as her children graduated and her husband retired, she realized she had a chance to focus on herself.
杏吧专区淚n December of 2021, I was thinking of what big, bad, adventurous thing I could do for 2022,杏吧专区 she laughs.
This spirit led her right back to UL Lafayette to earn her degree through the online Health Promotion & Wellness program.
The Road Back to UL Lafayette
Dugal杏吧专区檚 decision to return to school was fueled by the achievements of those around her.
Her daughter-in-law earned a master杏吧专区檚 degree online. Then, a friend just a few years older than her returned to finish his degree.
Seeing her husband杏吧专区檚 successful career and her children graduating from college, the idea of finishing her own degree began taking shape.
杏吧专区淭he seed was planted, and I was looking on the computer for what I could do. I looked up 杏吧专区榦nline degrees' and UL Lafayette popped up,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚 started looking through the degrees they offered online and saw Health Promotion & Wellness. I thought 杏吧专区極K, this might be something.杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿
Dugal took the plunge and applied, unsure if she was even eligible.
杏吧专区淚杏吧专区檝e taken care of everyone else my whole life; now I杏吧专区檝e switched the focus to pursue what I want,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚 had unfinished business.杏吧专区
Embracing Online Learning
Adjusting to online learning was a challenge for Dugal, who describes herself as 杏吧专区渘ot very technically inclined.杏吧专区
However, the support she received from UL Lafayette made all the difference. One of the enrollment specialists, whom Dugal fondly refers to as her advocate, was a constant source of support.
杏吧专区淪he杏吧专区檇 call and always had that cheerfulness,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚t was just good to know that I always had that direct phone call that could help keep me on course. That connection helped so much.杏吧专区
The faculty connections she made became lifelines, turning the fear of online learning into a manageable, even enjoyable, journey.
杏吧专区淒r. Katie, the most incredible teacher ever, has online office hours. I showed up every Monday and Thursday for her tutoring sessions,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淐onnecting with the teachers and taking advantage of the resources they offer is huge.杏吧专区
Juggling coursework with personal life was a new balancing act for Dugal.
杏吧专区淚t initially felt very selfish to put myself first, because I杏吧专区檝e always been a caregiver for everyone else,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚t杏吧专区檚 just been very important to stay on task so that I can be present for my family. They杏吧专区檙e the most important thing.杏吧专区
To master time management, Dugal had to get organized. She relied on two calendars: one for school and one for personal life.
杏吧专区淭he first thing I do when the semester starts is print out the syllabus. Then, I write down all the deadlines in my academic calendar,杏吧专区 she says.
This planning allows her to stay ahead of deadlines and be present for the moments that matter most.
杏吧专区淢y son got married in June. I spoke with my teacher about summer classes and told her 杏吧专区業杏吧专区檒l be at my son杏吧专区檚 wedding, and I need to be present for that,杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿 she recalls. 杏吧专区淪he worked with me on my deadlines so that I was able to go.杏吧专区
Bridging the Gap
Dugal杏吧专区檚 internship in yoga instructor training stood out as her favorite course, providing practical skills and a sense of purpose.
杏吧专区淢y internship really taught me what I was capable of,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚t was a favorite of mine because it blended the education with hands on experience.杏吧专区
And as Dugal reflects on her journey, she notes the essential role her support system played in her success.
杏吧专区淚 wouldn杏吧专区檛 be where I am without the love and support of my family and friends. Each played a special role,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淵ou can杏吧专区檛 be afraid to ask for help. You just have to keep moving forward and have faith and trust the process.杏吧专区
For Dugal, enrolling in the online program at UL Lafayette was about reclaiming a part of herself that'd been put on hold for too long.
As she completes the program, Dugal looks forward to joining her loved ones in the .
杏吧专区淚t'll be an honor to have a brick alongside my husband and my father,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚 really want to spread the message that you杏吧专区檙e never too old. It杏吧专区檚 never too late. Just remember that you didn杏吧专区檛 come this far to only come this far.杏吧专区
Ready to take the next step in your career? Learn more about the online Health Promotion & Wellness program at UL Lafayette.