Adulting can be tough as it is, but when you balance being a wife, mom, a physician’s assistant working with heart patients at UT Southwestern, and going for your master’s degree, life can get pretty hectic. But that’s exactly what Colleen has been doing and she can now proudly say she’s finished her degree!

Collen discovered that doing research was her favorite academic activity while undergoing graduate studies! Writing papers, for example, required gathering a lot of information from many different sources, but Colleen soon embraced and enjoyed conducting research.

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” served as a reminder to persevere through the many hours devoted to her studies while balancing her many other responsibilities.

Colleen is grateful to her family for supporting her. She’s especially thankful for her children who encouraged and were involved in every step of her academic endeavors. She recalls moments of her daughter Megan reaching out to ensure mom finished her homework!

Colleen’s words of wisdom include the importance of not procrastinating, get the work done as soon as you can. Also, be sure to ask the instructor questions when you need help!