Providence College School of Continuing Education Mentors

Adult College Students & Honor Society Inductees Share Insights on Success

Posted on April 18, 2022

Michael Eadie and Roger Morrissette didn't know each other prior to enrolling at Providence College School of Continuing Education (PCSCE). But it turns out they have a lot in common – and cracking the code on how to successfully go back to school as an adult is among them.

Michael and Roger have both built a successful career in the financial industry, but both felt they needed to return to school to advance to the next level. Both chose to pursue a BA in Leadership Development at PCSCE in order to meet that goal, and both are excelling at their studies even while maintaining a busy career and life. This May they'll be inducted into Eta Lambda, PC's chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for adult college students.

Michael, a married father of one from Bristol, Rhode Island, is currently vice president of sales and marketing support at a mid-sized regional wealth management firm. Roger, who is also married and lives in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has been employed in the financial services industry for 18 years and currently is a product leader at his company.

Here, they share a bit about their motivations and goals for going back to school, what it's been like to be an adult student, and some of the secrets to their success…

What made you want to go back to school now, as an adult?

Michael:

"I had previously studied French at Framingham State University with a minor in Economics. I was ready to graduate when I failed my math requirement in my last semester. I always meant to finish that last course, but I had already been offered a job and then kept pushing it off because my career was so demanding.

It always bothered me that I hadn't obtained my degree. I was also the first in my family to go to college so there were a lot of emotions and expectations around that as well. When I decided it was time to go back and earn my degree, I chose the Leadership Development program at PCSCE because it fit my career goals and interests. My company also provided tuition assistance, so that was a big help as well."

Roger:

"I had attended college after high school for about a year and a half in 1998-99 and took a few classes in 2009, but never completed a degree. Then, a few years ago, I was encouraged by a mentor to go back to school. I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and develop as a leader and I think I had been looking for a push [to go back to school] and it was provided!

When I made the decision to return to school, Providence College was the natural choice. My father is a PC grad and we have been season ticket holders to PC Men's Basketball for a number of years. I chose to pursue a degree in Leadership Development after meeting with my PCSCE advisor and discussing my goals. I aspired to be a strong leader and felt the Leadership Development program most aligned with that goal."

What has your experience been like as an adult student at PCSCE in the Leadership Development degree program?

Michael:

"My experience at PC SCE has been wonderful. The Leadership program has provided concrete tools and knowledge that I could implement immediately and has had a great effect on my career. I am now able to identify what goes into being a truly great leader and how so many fail to achieve greatness without those insights.

I also have a great deal of respect for how the institution provides a well-rounded classically liberal education. The three semesters of Development of Western Civilization filled in the gaps of every historical and cultural allusion that I have heard over a lifetime. It also gave me a better understanding of my Catholic faith. After hearing snippets of the Gospels throughout my life, the courses I took here at PC like Catholic Social Thought and another on the New Testament really gave me the context I have been looking for my whole life.

The education in philosophy and ethics have made a profound impact in all areas of my life."

Roger:

"PCSCE has been very flexible, which is key for me as an adult student with a relatively busy life outside of school. All my professors have been understanding and willing to work with me and it has been much appreciated. I have found the Leadership Development program to be incredibly beneficial. I apply the concepts I've learned in the program both in and outside the office on a daily basis. Specifically, the program's focus on service-based, authentic leadership has been very helpful."

What are your thoughts on being inducted into Eta Lambda Honor Society, and what do you think has been the secret to your success?

Michael:

"I'm enormously honored to be inducted into Eta Lambda. I was not always the best student back in the day, so this is a significant achievement that I owe in part to the stability of married life and a supportive spouse. I was never an honors student in the past. The real difference has been in applying the same level of professionalism and work ethic to my PC coursework as I do in my career.

In fact, I had my doubts that I would really finish this program when I found that I needed over 40 credits after receiving transfer credit. I just figured that I would give it a go and see where it would lead. At times it has been a little rough balancing a career and family obligations with school, but once I started I got hooked.

If you're thinking about going back to school, don't wait! Remember what Nike said and 'Just do it.'"

Roger:

"I am very appreciative of the induction to the Eta Lambda Honor Society as well. I believe I was an honors student many, many years ago but receiving this honor as an adult is quite special to me. There is never a perfect time to go back to school. My advice to anyone else thinking about going back to school would be to take the plunge and figure things out as they come. PC SCE will work with you to achieve your educational goals!"

What's next for you and your career?

Michael:

"I'm graduating in May. I was projected to finish in spring of 2024 but beat that by two years by taking classes year-round – Fall, Winter, Spring, Maymester, Summer. Ironically, I am less than 10 years away from retirement. Not finishing my degree has been a monkey on my back that has nagged me my whole career. After graduation, I plan to get my Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) designation and prepare for the TOEFL to be certified to teach English as a second language. My wife and I are moving to Portugal in five years, where I hope to consult in the financial industry there."

Roger:

"I am hoping to complete the program in 2023 or 2024. My goals for the future are to continue to broaden my skill set and improve myself as a person and leader."