Student Spotlight: Michelle’s Story — A Journey of Faith, Perseverance, and New Possibilities at MVNU

This blog post was created as part of our ongoing effort to spotlight real MVNU online students and their experiences balancing education, work, and life. To read more about the lives on MVNU Online students, check out this blog: Real Voices, Real Experiences: What It’s Like to Be an Online Student at MVNU.

When Michelle decided to return to school after decades away from the classroom, she knew it would take more than discipline and good study habits—it would take faith, flexibility, and a community that truly cared. She found all three at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

“I graduated in 1986,” Michelle shares, “and when I started again, I thought I was doing okay. But then I couldn’t retain anything, I was tired all the time, and I failed two classes.” What she didn’t know at the time was that she had a large benign brain tumor. It would take three surgeries—and an immense amount of strength—before she could continue.

But when she was finally able to return, she wrote a letter requesting readmission to MVNU. The university welcomed her back, and Michelle didn’t waste the opportunity: “I went through my bachelor’s and graduated cum laude. The two classes I failed before? I got A’s in them.”

A Program That Meets You Where You Are

One of the key reasons Michelle chose MVNU was the university’s faith-based foundation. “I really wanted a Christian college, but I didn’t realize how much that would impact me until I faced my health scare. I could have gone somewhere else—but MVNU felt like a community. The professors truly cared about my success.”

That sense of care came through in meaningful ways. A handwritten note from Professor Aaron Burgess encouraged Michelle to keep going—and gave her the confidence to pursue her MBA.

“I never thought I’d go beyond my bachelor’s,” she says. “But Dr. Burgess told me I was a great student, and he’d be happy to write a recommendation. I still have that letter.”

Balancing Work, Life, and Education

As a full-time professional, Michelle needed flexibility. "I couldn’t have done this without the ability to manage my own time. I could do schoolwork at night or early in the morning—whatever worked best. I made my own schedule around work, family, and life."

Even though MVNU’s programs are online, Michelle says the sense of connection never felt distant. “It’s not just logging in and submitting assignments. You get to know your classmates—even if you don’t meet in person. People remember you. They cheer you on. Professors respond to your questions quickly, sometimes even calling to talk through something.”

She adds that the discussion boards became unexpected spaces of encouragement and community: “I still feel like I’m part of something. We’re supporting each other.”

New Confidence, New Opportunities

Michelle’s dedication to her education didn’t just change her life—it opened doors she never imagined.

“I’ve worked in the banking industry for 24 years, but since earning my bachelor’s at MVNU, I’ve been invited to join panels, speak at events, and even travel to corporate offices in New York, Manila, and India.” She now serves as a co-chair of her company’s Women on the Move organization, helping empower other women in their careers.

Michelle’s educational journey has clearly opened new professional doors. “These opportunities wouldn’t have come my way if it weren’t for MVNU.”

The Impact on Family and Future Generations

Michelle’s academic success has also been a powerful example to her family.

“I’m the first of my mom’s children to earn a bachelor’s degree—and now I’m about to finish my master’s. My nieces and great-nieces are watching. Some of them are in college now, studying things like animal science. They saw me do it, so they knew they could too.”

Her grandson’s words after one graduation ceremony say it all: “Gigi, you did it. I’m so proud of you.”

Advice for Other Adult Learners

To anyone who thinks they’re too old to go back to school, Michelle has one message: “You’re not. You’re never too old to learn. The sacrifices are worth it. There’s no better feeling than earning that degree and showing your family—yourself—that you could do it.”