I am not a traditional student. After finishing high school in Tampa, I chose to work while taking college classes part time. I worked in the customer service department of a large credit card company for four years in a position with great pay and benefits. Like many people in this economy, the job I held was eliminated in late 2004. I’ll admit I shed a lot of tears wondering what I was going to do. I suddenly found myself unable to earn the salary to which I had become accustomed.

Although I had been attending community college while working, I decided I wanted the full college experience. Since I was no longer tethered to that particular job, I then had the opportunity. Upon finishing my associate’s degree I enrolled in large state university to finish my bachelor’s degree.

I found it difficult at times to navigate through all the available opportunities in the short two years I was there. I realized I wanted to be an accountant, but my degree in management was almost completed.

A close friend had moved to Jacksonville and was attending UNF. She kept telling me about her small graduate program where she felt like she knew everyone and worked closely with her professors. After researching UNF’s accounting program, I decided this was where I wanted to do my graduate work. I enrolled in the Master of Accountancy program in the Coggin College of Business. I was able to take the necessary undergraduate accounting classes while beginning my graduate coursework.

My journey at UNF has been amazing. I have gotten to know many of my professors, who have such great experiences to share with their students. They have worked in the accounting profession and know the challenges we face. They aren’t pure academics who have never worked in the field and many have done great research which also invigorates their teaching.

I joined Alpha Sigma Pi, the UNF accounting club, which is providing me the opportunity to meet some of the most influential and interesting people in the accounting and auditing community. I was also granted the Ennis, Pellum & Associates Fellowship.

Finally, with the assistance the wonderful people at the Coggin Career Management Center, I landed my current position as an accountant with a local sports merchandise retail company with customers worldwide. Since most of my classes are available at night, they do not interfere with my work schedule while I finish my degree.

My boyfriend of four years, Andrew, and our two dogs, are once again looking forward to the future. For me, it’s a more secure future knowing I have a skill that can be applied in many ways and is adaptable to changing economic conditions.

If you are considering attending the University of North Florida, I can only tell you that my experience here has been wonderful. I have found it very challenging and extremely rewarding. As a student who is a little older than the usual college attendee, I recommend all students get involved in the college life UNF has to offer. The student body is diverse and focused on learning, and you will gain knowledge from your fellow students as well as the professors at UNF.

UNF is a great place to either begin or finish your college career.