Ashley Lee is a student in the Master of Economic Analytics program. Ashley is a Texas native but has lived in Northwest Arkansas for the past four years. She decided to pursue a master's degree at the encouragement of her employer.
She is the mother of three and a full-time graduate student at the Walton College.
Q: As a full-time student and a mother, how do you find a balance between all you
have going on in your life?
A: I actually don't feel like I find balance — at least not consistently. Motherhood
is a wild ride and adding school to it has been challenging. There are unexpected
disruptions that throw me off balance all the time - but that's ok. I think it is
very valuable that my children see me struggle and overcome challenges. Hopefully,
they will learn they can do the same.
Q: What advice would you give to other students who might be having a difficult time
finding that balance?
A: Surround yourself with people who support you and are interested in your success
- and ask for help when you need it. I am fortunate to be surrounded by an immensely
supportive community, including my husband and fellow students in my program. Also,
remember that your professors want to see you succeed — view them as advocates and
not adversaries.
Q: What encouragement would you give someone who is considering going back to school
for a master’s degree?
A: Go for it! Don't limit yourself if it is a goal you earnestly want to achieve.
Grant Schol is a social media manager at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. As
a multimedia storyteller who lives in the convergence of journalism, social media,
and photography, Grant has a passion for inspiring change, no matter how big or how
small, by showing that even the smallest dreams can take you to big places.
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