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Laura Acker's path to a bachelor's degree wasn't at all what she expected. But she will be forever grateful for the fact that it led her to University of North Georgia (UNG), where she earned her degree fully online in political science with a minor in biology and graduated in May at age 36.

The Savannah, Georgia, resident decided to focus on her children, her jobs and supporting her husband in his medical education, only taking a class or two at a time and having to step away briefly at various points. For years, she knew she would return as a full-time student and was simply seeking the right moment. That time came during the COVID-19 pandemic when she found UNG.

With all the political turmoil unfolding at the time, picking her degree was a natural choice for Acker, but she didn't realize how much UNG would challenge her.

"It was a lot more rigorous than I anticipated, which was really good. They expect the same, if not more, out of you as an online student," Acker said. "It challenged me to really have my sources down, researching every detail and cross-referencing the information."

Along with that rigor came a supportive environment, even though she was not in person. Acker said she's not sure if she would have experienced that element in a larger school.

"There was that personal attention from professors. It was a good motivator to do well," Acker said. "They had their eye on you."

She appreciated the flexibility UNG provided for her as an adult learner. Acker hopes her experience can give encouragement to others who still harbor dreams of coming back for a degree.

"Give yourself a ton of grace. You start off thinking everything is going to go according to plan. Life never happens that way. Things happen in between," Acker said. "There's a lot of self-doubt. You have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep going, even if it might take you a little bit longer."

Acker currently works in a medical lab at the same hospital where she had her first job. Now with her bachelor's degree in hand, she is looking to attend graduate school to study risk management and compliance. She plans to build on her healthcare experience by working to improve the systems that affect both patients and the people who care for them.

As she neared the end of her time as a UNG student, Acker realized she wouldn't be able to attend commencement because it was during the week and her daughter was also approaching high school graduation. She was relieved when she received an invitation to an event celebrating adult learner and veteran graduates on May 9, a Saturday. Acker brought her husband, four children, mother, and sister to Dahlonega to mark the occasion.

The celebration at UNG was the first time she met Dr. Andrew Johnson, executive director of Student Impact Initiatives (SII), and Laura Russell, coordinator for Military-Connected and Adult Learner Programs in SII. Yet their genuine celebration of her milestone made it feel like she had known them for years.

"It's nice to know that there are people who truly care about your success as a student," Acker said. "Even after graduation, they're there to help you."