Determination and Persistence Pay Off for Tri-C Graduate

Kimberly Fields was working full time and caring for a family when her supervisor suggested she consider earning a college degree. Fields knew she was smart, but she worried she didn’t have enough time or money to spend on education. When her employer implemented a tuition reimbursement program, she decided to go for it.

Fields chose Tri-C because of the low tuition, ease of commuting and flexible scheduling. She attended classes at the Eastern and the Westshore campuses. When it came time to complete the last five courses required for her degree, Fields’ progress slowed a bit due to anxiety surrounding her final math course. But the high marks she received in her other courses motivated her to push through and reach the finish line.

Tri-C instructors and Fields’ own family and supervisor helped keep her going, too.

In 2013, Fields earned an Associate of Arts from Tri-C. A newfound confidence and drive to succeed came along with it. The following year, she received the 2014 YWCA Women of Achievement Award. She also took advantage of Tri-C’s partnership with Tiffin University to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Management — with a 4.0 grade point average!  

Fields is now motivated to pursue a Master of Business Administration. When she reflects on her time at Tri-C, she will always remember a certain piece of advice she received:

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you!”