The Day I Decided To Stop Putting My Dreams on Hold

Moregan’s Story on the #SheBelievedSheCould series 

I started college at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in 2012. I was so excited and nervous for this new chapter in my life however what I didn’t realize was it wasn’t going to be as easy as I initially thought. 

For the first two years of college, I struggled with classes, time management and self confidence.

I worked as a part time nursing assistant in a nursing home every weekend and went to classes full time during the week. I did not practice self care and to be honest I eventually burned out.

I remember when I was sitting in the living room with my parents and the mail came, which had three letters from SVSU. All of which were stating that I am at risk of being kicked out from school due to poor grades and that I lost my financial aid.

At that time, my GPA was 1.5, I have never been so disappointed in myself. I devastated my parents but I never shared with them that I was struggling.

At this point, I hit an all time low. I decided that maybe school was not for me and that I should start working more at the nursing home.

My parents fear was that I would get sucked into this life and end up working there for the rest of my life. To be honest, I started to get sucked in, I made more than minimum wage, I could work as many hours as I wanted, and I had coworkers that were my age. After working endless hours, being mandated, screamed at by family members and patients I hit my limit.

Enough Was Enough

I decided on that day that I would finish school, no matter what my GPA was. My goal was to just finish my degree. I decided to switch my major to social work with a focus on gerontology and I found my passion. I worked harder than I ever did and as time went on I gained back the confidence I had lost in myself personally and in the classroom.

I Believed I Could So I Did 

I ended up graduating with a 3.0 and with multiple job offers. The day I walked across the stage, receiving my degree and seeing my family in the crowd was a memory I will not forget.

Once I graduated, I accepted a full-time position with Saginaw Community Mental Health as a Case Manager. I am in charge of forty clients that have mental health disorders and substance use issues. I work with clients that are young women who are in domestic violence relationships, no education, no support system, and no income.

I am their advocate and their support system, telling them that they are worth it, that they can accomplish what they want.

I decided to create another goal for myself, go back to school and get my Masters in social work. I am currently in my graduate program at SVSU full time and work full time. I have never worked so hard before in my life, but at this time I have a GPA of 3.9.

You Got This! 

I wanted to share my story in hopes of inspiring others, to let others know that you can accomplish the goals that you set forth. I hope that this inspires someone to continue their education and goals, because it is the key to life. Just know you got this if you believe in yourself, you can do it…. I did! 

About contributor writer Moregan LaMarr: My name is Moregan LaMarr and I am a twenty-four year old female from Saginaw! I am currently working as a social worker contracted through Saginaw Community Mental Health. I graduated with my Bachelors in social work from Saginaw Valley State University in May 2017 and I am currently in my Masters program for social work at SVSU and will graduate in May 2019.