Meet Lilian Newey: Was told to quit, but instead she persevered.

Early on in her education, Lilian Newey was told she would be better off in a fast food job and to quit thinking about an education. Lilian knew better than this, however, and never let go of her dream of earning a college degree. At 9 years old, she was brought to the U.S. from Guatemala City, Guatemala and she didn't speak English. Despite the negative feedback Lilian received from school counselors along the way, she not only completed high school but graduated with honors and received a scholarship. "I learned a big lesson then which I am applying in my life now and always. I am the holder of my destiny and future. If I work hard I can accomplish the goals that I have set forth."

According to Lilian, "I was encouraged by my mother-in-law to look into going back to college. I wanted to return to college but didn't feel I had the time or energy with having two small children. At first I had thought about attending a local university but it was too hard to coordinate everything with leaving my children and attending classes. I did the research and realized that I was able to earn my degree through an online university. I could do the course work at home at any time of the day or night. I didn't have to incur travel time, parking costs or any hassles with childcare. Online learning was a great fit for me!"

Lilian decided that AIU Online was the best option for her. She had done her research and was glad to find that her employer would accept AIU for tuition reimbursement and that her Associate's degree would be eligible to be accepted at a local university. "I was also happy that I was able to transfer my prior credits from another college to AIU Online," Lilian adds; this allowed her to accelerate her Associate's degree program and move on to her next goal, a Bachelor's degree.

After Lilian earned her Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree through AIU Online, her goal was to transfer to a local university to continue on to earn a teaching degree. That never occurred however, "I just fell in love with business through my classes and my favorite class was Marketing. That really opened my eyes to what direction I wanted my career to take. Also, when I learned I could continue my education thorough AIU Online and earn a Bachelor's degree there was no question in my mind that I wanted to continue on." Lilian is currently working towards a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing.

Lilian is employed as a Patient Representative for a community clinic and has been with the same company for 5 years. Earning her degree has benefited Lilian even though the degree isn't in the healthcare field. "My education has helped me in that I've come out of my shell and I've advanced and have learned so much. My co-workers and supervisors have noticed I'm willing to move ahead and learn and take on new opportunities." Lilian is able to apply her coursework from AIU Online in her current position with organizing, administrating and being able to look at the big picture on the business side of things. "I now have the ability to understand the business end as far as marketing. When we market the clinic and try to get more patients I'm able to utilize the knowledge I learned in my Marketing and Business courses."

After earning her Associate's degree through AIU Online, Lilian received a raise in her salary in her position at the time. She also has been considering a different position at another location within her same company. The potential to move up to a supervisory position within the company once she earns her degree is there. "I'm passionate about the health care industry. I am interested in medicine, but am not interested in being a doctor or nurse. I can remain in the organization and continue to grow in my career, but in a business aspect. There is even an opening that requires a bachelor's degree in the Marketing department which would also be a great fit...so there are many opportunities for me there!"

Lilian's ultimate career goal is to become a CEO of a company and on a more personal level to continue to be a good provider for her family so they can have a comfortable life; and when she and her husband retire they are able to travel. The thought that continually motivates Lilian is the idea that she will always have her education that nobody can take away. "The education is mine and for my benefit and nobody else's. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to grow and to show my daughters how important a college education can be. I'm really excited because I know I'm a positive role model for my children."

Back to Student/Alumni Profiles