Angela Masouridis graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2016. She was chosen as the commencement speaker and delivered an inspiring speech about her experience at the graduation ceremony in front of her professors, peers and mentors.
Not only did Angela return to college as an adult, but also as a single mother. Her hard work, determination and courage earned her not just a degree, but more importantly a sense of pride.
Since her graduation Angela has enrolled in the graduate program at EIU and is continuing her education as an adult, and as a mother. She shared her EIU BGS experience with us in hopes of inspiring other adults who are considering returning to college.
Angela was able to take advantage of EIU BGS online degree courses, as well as the weekend courses at Harper College, and finish her degree through Eastern Illinois University adult degree program, inspiring her children, family and peers.
Here is what she had to say about her continuing education journey:
Angela Masouridis graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2016. She was chosen as the commencement speaker and delivered an inspiring speech about her experience at the graduation ceremony in front of her professors, peers and mentors.
Not only did Angela return to college as an adult, but also as a single mother. Her hard work, determination and courage earned her not just a degree, but more importantly a sense of pride.
Since her graduation Angela has enrolled in the graduate program at EIU and is continuing her education as an adult, and as a mother. She shared her EIU BGS experience with us in hopes of inspiring other adults who are considering returning to college.
Angela was able to take advantage of EIU BGS online degree courses, as well as the weekend courses at Harper College, and finish her degree through Eastern Illinois University adult degree program, inspiring her children, family and peers.
Here is what she had to say about her continuing education journey:
Q. What was your favorite part of the BGS degree program?
The discussion posts. I could do my assignments at my pace; it was like breathing in the knowledge and then being able to interact at the time of day that was best for me. BRILLIANT!
Q. What has been your biggest struggle?
Accepting I have intelligence.
Q. What advice would you give to an adult thinking about going back to school to get their college degree?
Don’t wait, this is for you. Yes, the over 40s are struggling for jobs against a younger generation of children we wanted to succeed before us. Some of us put our lives on hold to educate them, but now we have our chance to remind them, that our grace and will was what gave them the ability to succeed before us. I have learned a few things here and I am ready to make a change, to help the forgotten ones. I am now studying public policy to gain the knowledge necessary to do so!
Q. Do you have any advice for adults considering the BGS program?
Again, do not wait. When you realize all you have been missing… you are going to ask yourself why you waited to continue your education.
Q. What are your plans for the future now that you have graduated?
I am getting my master’s degree online through EIU.
Q. Did you have a favorite class or instructor during your time at EIU BGS?
No, I loved them all! Each one was a wealth of knowledge.
Q. Would you like to share a memory or moment from when you enrolled in the BGS program and made the decision to get your degree?
I enrolled in the BGS program for many reasons. First, how I could I push my children to go to college when I had not yet finished, second it was a psychological need, an inert desire to prove to myself that I was indeed capable of completing core level classes.
I previously knew Carrie Johnson, the program director, as a client in my nail salon. We spoke many times about returning to school, but I was not ready to make the commitment. I finally cried and declared that I had absolutely no faith in myself. There was Carrie, literally helping me fill out the paperwork, reminding me of all the things I had accomplished in the few years I had known her. That day, there in my salon, Carrie became more than my client, she became my mentor. That day and this program became the tunnel to the light that was my BGS degree. It only takes one day, one memory, one person to place faith in you at the right moment.
"My favorite memory was when I put on the gown to graduate and I looked at my girls, I knew that finally on every form they filled out that asked for “mother's level of education” they could mark “college degree”.
Watch Angela deliver her powerful
commencement speech on YouTube.
commencement speech on YouTube.
Find out how B.A. in General Studies can help you earn your degree like Angela, and help you to start moving forward in your life. The BGS adult degree program offers those that live in Illinois multiple locations to take classes including Harper College in Palatine. If you would like to speak to a faculty member or have questions contact BGS directly:
217-549-5657 or email: bgsba@eiu.edu
Visit our website for more information.
Explore the careers of hundreds of EIU BGS alumni on LinkedIn.
Connect with BGS faculty on Facebook and learn about our upcoming events across Illinois on Twitter @EIU_BGS.
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