After Years of Waiting, Lauren Finally Earned Her Bachelor of General Studies from LSUS

A Degree That Worked Around Real Life

Flexibility was the only way returning to school was realistic for Lauren.

"As a working mom, there was no way I could attend traditional classes on a set schedule," she said. "The online program allowed me to work on assignments when it fit into my life, whether that was late at night after the kids went to bed or on the weekends."

That flexibility allowed her to complete courses without needing to be away from the people and responsibilities that mattered most.

The Reality Behind the Degree

Earning a degree took hard work and dedication for a busy parent like Lauren. "It looked like a lot of late nights, early mornings, and squeezing homework into any free time I could find," she said. "I worked full-time, took care of my family, and then spent most evenings and every weekend working on assignments."

Whenever the balancing act felt overwhelming, she reminded herself why she started.

"My husband and kids were my biggest supporters. Seeing how proud they were made all the hard work worth it…For years, earning my degree felt like a dream that kept getting pushed further down the road because life was just so busy," she recalled. "When graduation finally became real, I realized that all those late nights and sacrifices had paid off."

What Lauren Gained Alongside Her Degree

Along the way, Lauren found support from faculty and peers.

"Even though I was an online student, I never felt like I was doing it alone," she said. "Whenever I had questions or needed help, there was always someone willing to point me in the right direction... That support made a big difference, especially during the more stressful parts of the program.”

She also appreciated learning with classmates from different backgrounds. "The discussions we had weekly in classes reminded me that everyone has a unique story," she said. "I think that lesson will help me as I move into education and work with students from all walks of life."

Lauren graduated Cum Laude and showed herself and others like her that working parents can not only go back to school, but they can thrive under the right conditions. "It proved to me that I can accomplish anything when I stay focused and don't give up."

“I can finally pursue my dream of becoming a teacher,” she said. “Before earning my degree, that door wasn’t open to me. Now that I have my degree, I’ve been able to take the next steps toward certification and start a new career that I’m truly excited about. I start teaching in August in the middle school where I went to school as a child. More than anything, earning my degree showed me that it’s never too late to chase a goal, and that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me both personally and professionally for the rest of my life.”

Don't Wait for the Perfect Time

Lauren’s advice to potential students is this: "Don't let fear or a busy schedule stop you. I spent years thinking I would finish my degree 'someday.' Eventually, I realized there was never going to be a perfect time; I just needed to enroll and get it done. If you’re willing to put in the work, the online Bachelor of General Studies program gives you the flexibility to make it happen."

Reach Your Goals from Anywhere in the World with LSU Online

Life doesn't always follow a straight path, and finishing your degree doesn't have to happen on someone else's timeline. Whether you're balancing work, family, life responsibilities, or a mix of those, the online Bachelor of General Studies from LSU Shreveport is designed to help you complete your bachelor's degree on a schedule that fits your life.

As Lauren puts it: "If a full-time working mom with a busy family life can do it, so can you. The feeling of finally earning your degree is something you'll never forget or regret."