Graduation Story: Sarah Hayes

We asked graduates to share their journey to graduation. Here is what Sarah Hayes (Strategic Human Resources) had to say in her own words…

My kids, Josie and Eli, were 6 and 4 when I started my master’s degree. They’re now 11 and 9. Over the course of my degree, I worked full-time and went through a divorce. My kids have been my biggest supporters during my master’s program. “You can do it, mom!” and “Yay, mommy!” were common, and when they woke up in the morning they would ask, “Did you get your paper turned in last night, Mommy?” I did homework after they went to bed. I did homework while they quietly played Legos or watched a movie. They gave up some of me so I could finish this goal. This is not at all about me and all about them. They are amazing. I think this picture sums up a lot. My son was hanging out with me as I worked on a paper, and he typed on my computer for me when I had my nose in a book:

I wanted to honor them and their support and their sacrifice and their celebration throughout this degree. They are something special. And this degree will allow me the opportunity to grow in my career so that I can better help them grow through life.

Congratulations, Sarah!