Student Spotlight: Nicole Lesperance

It's Never Too Late

Ferris - Traverse City student Nicole Lesperance is determined to get her bachelor’s degree for one reason—to set an example for her kids.

“I just want my kids to know that there are so many opportunities to learn and so many reasons to go back to school,” said Nicole. “It’s never too late.”

The mother-of-three graduated high school and began working in a nail salon when she was just 19-years-old. She worked there for over 20 years before being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

“I was in too much pain and I couldn’t do nails anymore,” explained Nicole. “So I sat down with my husband and kids, and together we decided that mom was going back to school.”

“I could have gone out and gotten another job, but I wanted more. I wanted to show my kids that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always learn more.”

Nicole began going back to school full-time in 2013. She graduated with her associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College and transferred to Ferris in 2015. For Nicole, the unique partnership between Ferris and NMC was a game-changer. It allowed her to go back to school without uprooting her family.

“My education at Ferris has been amazing,” said Nicole. “Not only has it allowed me to pursue my goals, but it has helped me balance school between my kids and husband, part-time work and everything else that goes on in life.”

But, for Nicole, the best part about going back to school isn’t the flexibility of her Traverse City-based program or the new opportunities she'll have when she graduates. For her, it's about something much bigger.

“The best part about going back to school is that my kids tell me that they’re proud of me. It’s the coolest feeling,” said Nicole. “You’re usually the one telling your kids that you’re proud of them. And when your kids say that back to you...you know that you’re leading by example.”

Nicole plans on graduating in May 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with a minor in Human Resources Management.

You can learn more about the programs we offer in Traverse City at our location page.

 

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