Dreams Realized

Returning to the classroom after a long absence can be challenging for professionals who have established themselves in their careers. Barriers such as time and money can put a dream of furthering their education out of reach. 

That barrier has been removed through the Employee Tuition Affordability Program for UTA employees. This program provides eligible employees with tuition assistance to support them in achieving personal and professional development. 

Employee Success Coordinator Kelly Dill is one of many library staff members who have used this program. She graduated in December, earning a master's of science in human resources management and a master's of science in industrial organizational psychology. 

"Part of the reason that I started working for the university was because I knew that I wanted to go back to school and work on a master's," Dill said. "The university cares about people growing and learning. So, I knew that this was a place that would support me and UTA delivered." 

When Dill started the master's program, she had a little anxiety about returning to the classroom. 

"For me, it had been 10 years between when I finished my bachelor's and when I started my master's degree. Everyone in my classes that first year was really young.," Dill said. "I felt like I was a fish out of water. Things like how assignments were turned in were different when I was younger. I was afraid to make a mistake or look silly, but I had to remind myself how to be a student. You have to get back into the flow." 

A key to Dill's success was the support she received from her co-workers, family and friends. This support created a strong foundation, but it set up the opportunity for success to happen. 

"The support of my family also made it much easier. I have four kids and that takes up a lot of my time. My parents and my husband were really proud of me and really wanted to help me get there," she said. "They gave me time that I needed on evenings and weekends to work on the school things. I would not have been able to do it without them." 

Dill shared that having cheerleaders in her life helped give her the confidence she needed to succeed.  

She noted that she is grateful for their encouragement over the last three years. 

If a person is looking to go back to school to obtain that first, second or third college degree, Dill suggests finding a subject that you are really interested in because that interest will motivate you to do the work even more. 

People interested in taking the next step to obtain that college degree can learn more about the Employee Tuition Affordability Program through the UTA website. The site details the program benefits, eligibility and much more. 

So, if you're looking to take that next step, we at UTA Libraries want to realize that you have our support in achieving your higher education dreams.