The first time Keisha Solomon went to college, she wasn’t sure why she was there. The second time, she knew exactly why.

Keisha originally paused her education in 2009 while attending Triton College. At the time, she was following a path that felt expected rather than chosen. “After high school, I went to Triton because that’s what you’re supposed to do, but there was no passion or clear direction,” she shared. Over the years, she explored various fields including occupational therapy, nursing, and business, but nothing resonated. External pressures and life challenges led her to stop.

What followed was years of on-and-off attendance, dropped classes, and the honest self-knowledge that she needed to know what she actually wanted before she went back.

Overcoming challenges and finding motivation

Her determination resurfaced when she enrolled at Triton College for the spring 2024 semester, this time driven by a clear goal: an associate’s degree in psychology, with a path toward a master’s degree and a career as a counselor. Her renewed interest in psychology came from a long-standing fascination with the subject and a genuine desire to help people.

“I took a psychology class in high school and was very interested in it,” she explained. “Helping people has always been my passion, whether through occupational therapy, nursing, or now psychology.”

“It’s not about getting a degree because that’s what you’re supposed to do. This is what I want to do and what I feel called to do.” — Keisha Solomon

Personalized support from ReUp

Re-enrollment wasn’t simple. Keisha started the process in September 2023: financial aid, transcripts, advisor calls, letters, holds on her account. “It was just hurdle after hurdle,” she recounted.

She was also carrying a hesitation that was more personal than logistical. “I didn’t really want to go back because I was thinking of my 18-year-old experience, but I decided to see what they had to say,” Keisha said. After receiving an email about ReUp’s services, she decided to find out.

Her ReUp Success Coach, Coach Ruth, became an important part of the process. “Speaking with Ruth was so encouraging. She understood my faith and provided support from a perspective that resonated with me,” Keisha shared. Ruth provided concrete, actionable steps that guided her through re-enrollment. “Ruth walked me through every step of the process. Her encouragement was pivotal.”

Balancing life and education

Balancing coursework with work, church responsibilities, and personal life presented another significant challenge. Keisha worked with Coach Ruth on priorities and time management, utilized school support resources, and communicated openly with her employers and church community about her commitments. That approach helped her complete her first semester back successfully.

“Having someone who understands your journey and is willing to walk with you through it makes all the difference,” she said.

Looking ahead

Keisha plans to finish her associate’s degree at Triton College, transfer to a four-year university, earn a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology, and ultimately become a licensed counselor. Her goal is to help others navigate their own challenges, drawing from her own experiences.

Learner pro tip “Everybody’s life looks different. But if you’re in a place to do it, then take that step. You can do it. Whoever you are, if you want to, you can.” — Keisha Solomon