The Gift of Education: Why Investing in Yourself is the Best Present You Can Give
As the year comes to a close, many of us may have endless lists swirling around our minds — including gifts you need to give those you love, plus thoughtful surprises you want to incorporate into the holiday season. But what might you want to do for you in the new year? Now is the perfect time to invest in yourself and consider enrolling in an online degree program that suits both your lifestyle and aspirations.
The Season of Giving Meets the Season of Growth
The holidays mark a season of warmth, love and splendor, but it can also be a time to indulge in the gift of personal growth. Give yourself a few peaceful moments to reflect on your own goals. Perhaps in the new year, you decide to invest in adult education online as a gift to your future self.
At the University of Mount Olive (UMO), our online degree programs make it possible for working adults to pursue career advancement through education. Flexible programs combined with extensive support make UMO an excellent place to pursue a higher education.
Why Education Is the Ultimate Gift to Yourself
At one time, college for working adults was considerably challenging. Traditional degree programs required busy adults to attend evening and weekend classes — after they had completed a full day of work — making it difficult for adult students to balance work, school, and their personal lives. The contemporary online learning environment has changed all of that, however, and it’s never been easier to return to school as an adult.
Of course, enrolling in an online degree program does require an investment of your time, energy, and financial resources. Ultimately, though, the gift of education might just prove to be the best gift you can give yourself.
The Power of Personal Investment
While most adult learners consider returning to college in order to pursue new professional opportunities or advance their careers, keep in mind that your education is an investment in yourself and sense of self-worth, too. By pursuing a path of lifelong learning, you can boost your confidence, discover a sense of purpose, and even achieve greater financial stability by increasing your lifetime earning potential.
Tangible and Intangible Returns
The most obvious benefit of investing in your education is earning a degree that can lead to professional and personal growth opportunities. In the short term, your degree may open a new door for you professionally, but you will also be able to enjoy the returns on your investment in your education for many years to come. Adults who earn a college degree may enjoy a higher earning potential, increased career mobility and an expanded perspective. This is not to mention the sense of pride in achieving a milestone that will outlast any physical gift.
The Financial and Career ROI of a College Degree
Despite the initial cost associated with earning a degree, the ultimate financial return on investment (ROI) may prove well worth it.
Education as a Financial Multiplier
No matter if you earn an online human services degree, an education degree, or something else entirely, you will likely earn more over the course of your lifetime than if you did not pursue a college degree. According to the Social Security Administration, adults who earn a bachelor’s degree can make between $630,000 and $900,000 more in their lifetime salaries than adult workers who only hold a high school diploma.
Online and accelerated degree programs, like those offered at UMO, help to keep tuition affordable for working adults — allowing you to turn your educational goals into reality.
Investing Smart: Flexible, Accredited and Transfer-Friendly
If you are going to take the plunge and pursue an education, you’ll want to do it the right way. Choose a school that enables you to leverage your previous college credits or prior learning. At UMO, we offer flexible transfer policies and extensive support for adult learners, so you can complete your degree as quickly as possible.
Overcoming the “Someday” Mindset
It’s easy to state that you intend to earn your degree someday, yet that mindset may be inhibiting you from taking the necessary next steps to invest in yourself and accomplish your goals. By finding the right school and convenient online degree program, you may overcome this mindset and create an actionable plan for moving forward.
The Common Barriers
There will always exist plenty of excuses that convince you that now is not the right time to start an online degree program: There’s never enough time or money, it may feel out of your comfort zone and the thought of making a drastic change may be daunting.
While these fears are entirely understandable and natural for most adult learners, there are resources out there to help you succeed regardless of your circumstances. At UMO, our accessible faculty and extensive student support services present students with the guidance and tools they need to rise to the challenge.
Turning Intent Into Action
The big-picture goal of getting your degree may feel lofty. To begin taking the next step, consider setting micro-goals:
- Request information by the end of the week.
- Contact an academic advisor by the start of the new year.
- Evaluate your transfer credits by the end of January.
Small steps forward are still progress, and it’s this gradual progress that will yield transformation in the long haul.
How UMO Empowers Students to Invest in Themselves
At UMO, we know college for working adults is no simple pursuit — which is why we offer a supportive and nurturing environment that empowers students to invest in themselves. Our degree programs, along with our accessible faculty and personalized student support services, ensure that all modern learners can enjoy success.
Online Learning Built for Working Adults
Our online learning environment is designed with working adults in mind. Asynchronous classes, flexible schedules, and dedicated faculty support allow you to create an educational path based on your unique needs. Examples of student services intended to help you thrive include:
Degrees That Open Doors
With the number of degree-seeking adults rising each year, we recognize that many of our adult learners are looking to invest in themselves and pursue a career path that is both professionally and personally fulfilling. Thus, at UMO, we offer degree programs for the most in-demand career fields, such as business management, justice studies, and nursing.
Real Stories, Real Returns
Don’t just take our word for it. Our extensive alumni network speaks for itself, with many UMO graduates reporting that their degrees have changed their lives.
Graduate Testimonials or Alumni Highlights
Take UMO alumnus Kimberly Jackson, for instance. She was a busy mom to twin daughters when she enrolled in the Early Childhood Education online degree program. Inevitably, she faced some challenges, but she found that the supportive learning environment helped her navigate her program.
“My degree from the University of Mount Olive has given me confidence in myself that I needed, and I will be able to apply for better-paying jobs,” Jackson says. “There is no telling what the future may hold for me, but I am certain the University of Mount Olive has given me the tools necessary to succeed.”
The Ripple Effect of Investing in Yourself
The gift of education extends beyond yourself. Your education impacts your family’s ability to thrive, and it enables you to give back to your community in unique and rewarding ways. Pursuing an education online allows you to become a key player in UMO’s mission of supporting lifelong learning and encouraging community service.
Conclusion: This Year, Put Your Future on Your Gift List
It’s always easy to postpone your dreams until another time — but “someday” is too vague a deadline. Now is the optimal time to invest in yourself by furthering your education!
It’s never been easier to return to school as an adult, and at the University of Mount Olive, we provide our students with the support they need to thrive in today’s dynamic, fast-evolving landscape.
Learn more about our available online degree programs, and kickstart your journey toward the best gift you’ll ever give: your own success.
Sources
https://umo.edu/online-undergraduate/
https://umo.edu/degrees/
https://umo.edu/online-bs-human-services/
https://umo.edu/education/
https://umo.edu/number-degree-seeking-adults-rise/
https://umo.edu/college-responds-needs-degree-seeking-adults-2/
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html
