Davidson-Davie Adult Learner Initiative Serves as Valuable Tool in Career Advancement

“Working a full-time job, homeschooling and attending college courses is difficult,” Tysinger says. “I make it a priority to ensure that my daughter is receiving the education that she deserves; I want her to continue to excel in her education. But I try to put 100 percent into both work and school, which means very late nights for schoolwork and long days for my professional work and homeschool mother. Time management is the most difficult thing for me while I’m completing my education. I get very little sleep and downtime.”

Leigh Ann Norris, CPhT, instructor and program director of Pharmacy Technology at Davidson-Davie, explains that Tysinger is incredibly driven and has demonstrated an impressive ability to balance multiple responsibilities. “Despite the demands of her work, family life and school, she manages her time exceptionally well.”

Jasmine Hargrave, director of Reconnect and Success at Davidson-Davie, explains that adult learners often face many challenges similar to Tysinger’s.

“Time management – balancing school, work and family responsibilities can be overwhelming, causing education to take a backseat to other priorities,” Hargrave says. “Additionally, adult learners may struggle to afford tuition while managing personal expenses, making it difficult to focus on their studies. Those expenses also include things like finding affordable and available childcare, a common issue that limits their ability to attend class.”

Hargrave explains that many adult learners return to campus after years in the workforce for career advancement, additional credentials or even a career change. “Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement programs and workplace partnerships, encouraging employees to further their education,” Hargrave adds.

For Tysinger, furthering her career outweighs any obstacle she may face, and she remains dedicated and consistent in her studies, Norris says, adding that she contributes valuable real-world experience to class discussions and serves as an inspiration to her peers. In fact, Tysinger actively engages in community programs, sharing her experience and education with young learners – proving that no matter what route is taken, length of time or how difficult the path, “the destination is possible, achievable and rewarding,” Tysinger says.

“By pursuing this degree, Lisa is setting an example that continuing education and career advancement are possible, even with a busy lifestyle,” Norris adds. “I have no doubt that she will graduate and take the next step on her career ladder.”

Tysinger will graduate in May with an associate degree in pharmacy technology. “I have taken a different path than a lot of other students have,” she notes. “I started my family and career young and did not pursue my education at that time. With encouragement from my family and coworkers, I made the decision to return to college to obtain my degree. I want to be an example to my daughter, younger teammates and adults as well. Nothing is impossible and it’s never too late. If you put your mind to achieving your goal, you can and will succeed.”

In the future, she hopes to earn her advanced certified pharmacy technology credential  (CPhT-Adv).

Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.