When her husband’s company experienced numerous layoffs, Joelle Goetz decided it was time to seize the moment, go back to school, and complete the necessary credits to earn her bachelor’s degree.

“I have always depended on my husband for many things. Given uncertainties in his work world, I knew this was the right time to finish my degree. My two children are in college now, so I have the time. There is a need for certified language teachers in the state of Connecticut. I can complete a fast-track program to become certified to teach, as long as I have a bachelor’s degree,” she said.

A native of France who has taught French in independent schools in the United States for 20 years, Joelle said her goal is to finish her degree as quickly as possible.

“I am 53 and want to be certified to teach in the state of Connecticut,” she said.

She was able to transfer business credits that she had earned when she lived in France to the business track of the Professional Studies program at Mitchell College.

“My immediate goal is not to be on the business track to work in business but to have a bachelor’s degree the fastest way possible using my business credits. As retirement comes closer, however, I might like to offer immersion classes in France, perhaps combining business with teaching.”

In searching for a program, Joelle checked the region for education options. She looked at Mitchell’s website and found information about the Professional Studies program that fit her needs.

“I called and spoke to Admissions staff about the program. After our conversation, I thought, ‘This is my path!’ This is exactly what I was looking for because I just want to get this done.”

Joelle said the application and registration process was seamless.

“My advisor, Cheri Henault, made everything so easy. She showed me what credits transferred and what classes to take. I didn’t have to come up with a plan. I didn’t have to pick my classes. She gave me the whole plan—it is a package and it’s wonderful. I don’t have to worry. She is extremely helpful.”

When Joelle first considered returning to school, she thought she would go to class in person on campus. The Professional Studies program, however, is online with asynchronous classes, allowing students to work on their own time.

“I was not sure if I could study at home and succeed in online courses, but I found a little room in the house that is perfect for me. It is cozy and nothing distracts me there. I am very motivated, and I know I need time to focus. With my full-time work schedule, I have one day off, so on that day I start my class work at 7:30 a.m. and go until 6 p.m. with little breaks in between. I also use Saturdays and Sundays. I am on a rigorous schedule.”

Both the adult learners in her classes and the professors who teach them “have an intention of being successful on either side,” she said. “The teachers want to make it happen, and the classes are well-structured and manageable. The students know it takes a lot of energy and know from the get-go what needs to be done.”

Her advice to others contemplating enrolling to complete their bachelor’s degree?

“I would tell someone it’s a serious program, and you have to make time for it. Have a support system around you, and make sure you have everything in place to be successful. Taking it lightly won’t work because it takes effort, but it’s the most rewarding thing.”

Slated to complete the program in June 2025, Joelle said that she has surprised herself with her success in the program.

“Mitchell College pulls the best out of me. I worried about staying focused, but I can, and I am. I am French and didn’t know if I could write well in English, but it’s going more smoothly than I thought. When I emigrated here 20 years ago and took my first English classes, it took so much energy. I was discouraged to go back and finish my bachelor’s, and this has been on my mind all this time. Now is the right time. I have found myself, my thoughts, and my voice, and it’s all good.”