A Graduate Journey Shaped by Persistence and Support

For many working professionals, pursuing an advanced degree is not just about ambition, but it is about finding a way to keep moving forward without stepping away from the responsibilities they already carry.

That was the case for Collette A., whose academic journey at California Southern University reflects a steady commitment to growth within a structure designed to support real-life demands.

Collette A. began her studies in April 2021, enrolling in the Master of Science in Psychology degree program. Just weeks later, she started her first term while recovering from surgery—an experience that set the tone for what would become a demanding academic path.

Over the course of her program, she stayed engaged. Whether working from a hospital room or completing assignments while traveling, she remained focused on her coursework and long-term goals.

Throughout her journey, support played a key role. She stayed in close contact with her Admissions Advisor, who checked in regularly and offered encouragement along the way. Faculty and Academic Advisors also provided ongoing feedback and guidance, reinforcing that while the work was demanding, she was not navigating it alone.

In October 2023, Collette A. reached an important milestone: she graduated with her Master of Science in Psychology, magna cum laude. She traveled from New York to California to attend the ceremony, marking the culmination of years of persistence and effort.

During commencement, she experienced a moment that brought her journey full circle. After years of emails and phone calls, she met her Admissions Advisor in person for the first time. The encounter was an unexpected and meaningful reminder that behind every academic journey is a network of people who help make it possible.

Today, she is enrolled in a doctoral program in psychology and is actively working on research focused on mental health support, including a qualitative study on Mental Health First Aid—continuing to build applied knowledge that connects academic work to real-world practice.

For those considering the next step in their education, Collette A.’s story shows what persistence can look like in practice. If you are ready to keep moving forward without putting your life on hold, you can explore degree program options, academic expectations, and support resources to find a path designed to meet you where you are.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement.
Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2212807 4/2026