Many Ashford University* students go from jobs to family to schoolwork all in the course of one busy day, but Navy SEAL Ty Smith sometimes fought the Taliban in Afghanistan for 18 hours and then debriefed his team before hitting the books for the day.

“It would literally be an hour between fighting the Taliban and transitioning to classes at Ashford University,” he says.

But the flexibility of Ashford’s technology and professors—along with Ty’s tenacity—made it work.

“Deciding to go back to school was really about career growth and progression,” says Timothy Renner. “I had finished my associate degree many years ago, but I never really took that step to complete my bachelor’s. And I know the only way to move up is to really own your own development.”

When Timothy Cathey graduated high school in 2012, he didn’t consider himself much of a student. As such, earning a college degree just didn’t seem to fit into his life plan. 

Instead, Timothy joined the U.S. Air Force right out of high school and became an Aerospace Propulsion Technician. It was while he was in the service that he began thinking more seriously about his future and how education might play an important role in securing a career after the military. 

When it comes to self-improvement and discipline, Shellane Demarest has a leg up on most people. As a personal trainer with years of experience working within the world of CrossFit, she’s developed a reputation for putting in long hours to accomplish her goals.

In 2016, she decided it was time to give her mind a workout too, and she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication* program at Ashford’s** College of Liberal Arts.

Regina Scott is a dreamer. She had always dreamt of being a police officer. Little did she know that her degree in organizational management from Ashford University* would help her achieve that dream.

Non-traditional students often take non-traditional routes through their careers, using their degrees to support an existing goal rather than as the foundation for a future job.

Oleathia Robinson is a perfect example of this type of student. An internationally recognized singer, songwriter, playwright, model, and actress, Robinson is building her career in the entertainment industry while simultaneously pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing at Ashford University*.

“One of my goals after I completed high school was to go to college,” says Odessa Thomas. “Although it has taken me some time to finish, my motto has always been ‘better late than never.’”

When Laura Griswold decided to go back to school, the newly single mother of two and full-time Ashford University* admissions counselor had quite a bit on her plate. 

While married, Laura co-owned and operated a successful business, but divorce changed the trajectory of her career. She knew continuing her college studies was the key to unlocking new career opportunities. 

“I needed a fresh education in order to earn a living that could actually provide for myself and my kids,” she recalls. “Employers don’t care how successful you were as a self-made boss.”

There are many reasons people put off college immediately following high school. Obstacles like cost, family obligations, or even having a job lined up can prevent high school graduates from continuing their education right away.