STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Crystal Glover, August 2012

What is your academic area of study?

I am in my third semester of the social work program here at WKU-O and love it.

What inspired you to seek a college education?

My primary inspiration for seeking a college education was becoming a mother. After having a very difficult childhood, I wanted more than anything to provide a better start and example for my children than what I had growing up. I knew furthering my education would be one of the best ways to achieve that goal.

My first attempt to go to college was shortly after I had my first child at the age of eighteen. Unfortunately, after 9-11, my husband was laid off from his job and it was in the best interest of my family if I delayed school and went to work. It wasn't until my youngest reached school age when I was in a position to go back, but when I did, I could not have been more ambitious. I knew more than ever how important it was and was ready to make a change in our lives.

What would you say your motivation for succeeding is?

As a wife and mother of two, I have many motives to succeed. I will be the first person in my family to have a college degree and I am eager to make that generational change for my daughters. I want them to know that education is important and that they are capable of accomplishing anything they set their mind to accomplish.

After working physically demanding and unfulfilling jobs for so many years, I am anxious to be able to have a career that I can enjoy. There is no way I could have come so far in my life without the help and support of others, so I cannot wait to be a part of a career field that will allow me to be that support for others.

Do you have any academic achievements you would like to share, and what are some of your possible career goals?

I will soon be receiving my Associate in Arts degree from OCTC. When I came back to school, my goal was to earn an Associate degree in Human Services and that was all. Along the way, with the help of several encouraging people, I realized I was capable of so much more. After learning it would take an Associate in Arts to transfer into the Social Work program at WKU-O, that's what I did. I plan to not only get my BSW, but to continue for my MSW. When I finally do finish school, I hope to become a licensed clinical social worker and counsel families. I know first-hand the importance of having a strong family bond and how traumatic it can be when it's not there, so I would love to assist families in finding their strengths.

In as many words as you would like, please tell us a little about yourself.

As I previously stated, I am a wife and mother of two beautiful girls, ages 12 and 6. My husband and I have been together for fifteen years. We are an amazing team and he is my biggest supporter.

Considering I am a full-time student and have a part-time job, I really don't have a lot of free time, but when I do, I like to spend it with my family. When we do have those moments together, we usually hang out at home, but we also enjoy going to the park, to the movies, and small trips to zoos, museums, etc. When this whole crazy school thing is over, we are looking forward to traveling a little bit. There is so much we would like to see and do.