Q&A with Katelyn Badger
Adult contemporary students tell their stories
Katelyn Badger’s story is typical of most Adult Contemporary students who choose to come back and finish their degree, in the sense that it’s completely unique. Every student has their own story to tell, and I am happy to share a little bit of Katelyn’s. I had the pleasure of working with her when she was president of the Adult Student Club, which I sponsor, and I found her to be smart, motivated, and charming—a complete delight to be around. As for her, she enjoyed her time at Parkland so much that she has endeavored to begin her career here as a fiscal program assistant. She recently took a few minutes to answer some questions about her journey.
Q: What was your favorite part of being an Adult and Returning Student Services student?
A: My favorite part was being able to help start the Adult Student Club which unfortunately was short-lived. I wish that it could have been able to sustain but there just wasn’t a lot of interest. Another thing was collaborating with other students like me who have quit and come back so many times to try and finish my degree. (I changed my degree 6 times.)
Q: Where did you go to high school?
A: I went to Mahomet-Seymour schools.
Q: What was the final factor in your decision to come to Parkland and finish your degree?
A: My mom and I were getting our degrees together and taking classes together. We were having fun with challenging each other on who was going to get the better grade and she ended up passing away in 2012, one semester before she was going to graduate with her associate’s. I ended up quitting school and worked a full-time job. When that job was starting to drain me even further emotionally, my husband and I decided for me to quit the job and go back to school full-time. I chose to do my associate’s in accounting and finally after 10 years of going to school and quitting, I achieved getting my associate’s degree.
Q: How did your Parkland education help you earn your current position?
A: With getting my associate’s in accounting, I was able to get a job in Adult Education here at Parkland as a fiscal program assistant. I absolutely love my job, love my boss, and everyone I work with. I love being able to be in a position that helps students with their goals of getting their GED or learning English as a second language.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering a return to school?
A: I would tell them, never give up. Keep that goal in your mind and reach for it. Have a support person to help you through. My husband was my biggest supporter in getting my degree. Teachers, advisors, and counselors are there for you. Find a mentor, find a peer that helps you when you don’t understand homework. There are so many people and resources at Parkland that will help you achieve your goals in getting your degree and getting a better paying job.
I did it, a long time ago. Katelyn did it recently. You can do it too. You can reach your academic goals right here at Parkland, and we at Adult and Returning Student Services are here to help you get started.
Call 217/351-2482, email me, or visit room U214 to learn more.
-Tony Hooker, ahooker@parkland.edu
Adult and Returning Student Services Advisor