Many employers have seen more and more employees leaving their jobs as many people are focused on building skills and recreating their careers.
“When I talk to employers that we work with and read newspapers, they’re calling it the ‘Great Resignation,’” said Dr. Tonya Drake, Chancellor of WGU Washington. “When I talk to friends, family, and students, they’re really describing it as sort of this reinvention about what they want to be after this pandemic.”
Marissa Price was the 250,000th graduate of WGU nationwide. Three days before she started her journey at WGU Washington, she found herself unexpectedly homeless and broken-hearted following the breakup of her seven-year relationship. Though she wanted to quit before she started, she persisted.
“I think WGU and getting my degree really did help reinvent my life,” Price said. “Not just professionally, because I was able to get my foot in the door in human resources, but also because of all of the things I went through when I was pursuing my degree.”
Her journey included the breakup, a new home, a new boyfriend, and then struggles with infertility. Price’s time at WGU was an anchor point in her life among changes and challenges.
“It all came together right when it needed to,” Price said. “I got my degree and found out I was pregnant in the same term.”
WGU celebrated Price’s accomplishment as the 250,000th graduate with an outdoor celebration.
“I really appreciate being the representative of all of the other graduates too,” Price said. “I think my story is probably pretty similar to a lot of other people that are out there that went back to school to get their degree and make their lives a little bit better.”
If you are considering pursuing a degree and building skills, WGU is offering a “Year of You” scholarship opportunity for up to $2500 towards WGU’s tuition. Apply by March 31, 2022, to take advantage of the offer.
“We are super excited to honor all of those who are really thinking about reinventing themselves,” Dr. Drake said.
To learn more about WGU, its 25th anniversary this year, and the scholarship opportunity, visit the WGU Washington website.
Sponsored by WGU Washington. Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.