Seizing the Moment: It's Never too Late to Chase Your Dreams

The differences in age with my classmates are interesting and even funny sometimes, but I do feel like I fit in. They’re all getting up every day, coming to school and working toward a goal, just like me.

When Holly Cornell arrived at Lake Land’s campus to sign up for classes ahead of the Fall 2022 semester, she faced the prospect of becoming a college student for the first time in 23 years. An hour passed since her arrival, and still Holly stood outside, mulling the life-changing choice ahead of her.

“I just stood there wondering if I should do this,” Holly recounted. “Eventually, I told myself, ‘You can change your mind later. Right now, just jump.’”

Holly initially attended the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago after graduating from Cumberland High School in 1999. Amidst the bustle and bright lights of the city, however, she found herself longing for the familiar peace and starry skies of her hometown. These college experiences, in addition to a family housefire, helped Holly determine her identify and eventually led to her decision to leave the school early.

Many years later, Holly’s life forever changed when she experienced the joys of motherhood and consequently discovered a hidden passion. Through the creative activities she prepared for her own children, she recognized her love for educating youth and decided to pursue a career.

After considering her options, Holly identified Lake Land’s Early Childhood Education program as the best route to pursue this passion. Still, the idea of returning to school for the first time in more than 20 years filled her mind with doubt and left her hesitant to sign up for classes on that fateful day in 2022. She could have turned around and gone home. Instead, she took the jump.

Since then, Holly has discovered a community at Lake Land that embraces nontraditional students and provides a pathway for all learners to accomplish their goals. Her life experience gives her a unique perspective in the classroom, and she enjoys interacting with instructors and younger students who share her ambitions.

Despite her doubts about returning to school, Holly has excelled with a 4.0 GPA and multiple Non-traditional Student of the Year nominations. Every struggle and triumph along the way is weaving an incredible story, one she hopes will inspire her children when they grow old enough to understand.

“I’m putting together a personal portfolio, with pictures and everything, so my children can look back and see what their mom did.” Holly explained. “I want my children to be proud of me, and I want them to know that, if they’re willing to put the work in, they can do whatever it is that makes them happy.”

EDUCATION AREA OF STUDY

• Business Education

• Early Childhood Care & Education

• Early Childhood Education

• Elementary Education

• Health Education

• Mathematics Education

• Nanny Child Care Provider

• Paraprofessional Education

• Paraprofessional Educator

• Physical Education

• Secondary Education-Biology

• Secondary Education-Chemistry

• Secondary Education-Physics

• Special Education

• Education Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Education Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu.