Sometimes it’s fun to dream about what you might to do with your work life. Maybe you’ve fanaticized about joining the circus or owning a bed and breakfast. Maybe you fell into your current career and never got the opportunity to pursue your real passion. Wouldn’t it be great to get to a point in life when you can act on that inner ambition?

Today, many people are making a mid-career switch because they’re simply not passionate about what they do eight hours a day or they want to turn something personal into a career. One such Ashworth College graduate is doing just that.

Deborah Dykes, Jackson, MS, who recently completed the Ashworth College Teacher Assisting program is pursuing her dream of working in education, specifically with deaf and special needs children.

Dykes received her high school diploma in 1974 from the Mississippi School for the Deaf where she graduated with honors and served as her graduating classes Salutatorian.

Although she intended to go on to college, various factors lead her into the workforce instead. Dykes began a career in computers and is now long-time data entry operator for Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Over the years, Dykes has given back to her community as a volunteer to deaf youth and has decided to turn this interest into a second career when she retires.

“For years I have been volunteering with deaf children through church as well as with students at the Mississippi School for the Deaf,” Dykes commented. “I would like to combine my experience in computers and technology with my passion for working with deaf children.”

“With the encouragement of my sister, who is also my hearing interpreter, and other family members I decided to turn my volunteer work into a second career as a teachers aide and work with deaf and other special needs children.” (more…)

Susan is a student in Ashworth College’s online program in Nutrition, Diet, and Science.

In this candid video, Susan discusses how she’s applying the knowledge gained through her coursework to stay motivated and live healthier.

Christopher Snyder is the lead singer of the up and coming rock band, KrimZen, who proves that even a busy rock star touring around the world can still find enough time to earn his college degree online with Ashworth College.

We’re honored to recognize Christopher as a graduate of our Ashworth College Associate Degree Program in Psychology.