How I Did It: Donna Walden '13
An alumna explains how her family and friends made it possible for her to complete her degree.
Donna Walden (center).
DEGREE EARNED: BS in Psychology
CURRENT PROGRAM: MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
WHAT I WAS DOING AT THE SAME TIME : I head a finance department at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, which includes an hour-long commute each way. I’m also a single mom with four kids. I helped three stay focused on their studies at college by setting a good example myself. The fourth is in middle school. During my studies, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had surgery and radiation therapy. Right before graduation, the cancer returned and I had surgery again. Thankfully, I’m in remission now.
BEST THINGS MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS DID TO HELP ME: My youngest son chipped in with housework and took care of our dogs, which was a great help. Overall, my kids were amazing—very encouraging. My best friend, Ginny, also helped out at the house and took care of my youngest while I had surgery. I had great people cheering me on, which is why I was able to complete my degree despite these challenges.
HOW I MADE TIME TO STUDY: Before I started my first course, I called a family meeting to talk about the changes we would need to make once I started school and to write a fair chore chart. We worked out a system, particularly for my youngest and me. We’d have dinner together, do homework, and then watch a movie. I did a lot of my research during my lunch hours to be sure I could make more time for him at home. I’d write papers after he went to bed or before he got up on the weekends. I stumbled at first. I’d wait until a deadline to start on a big project, then had to scramble. I figured out how to take things day by day, breaking each assignment into bite-sized chunks.
WHY I STAYED MOTIVATED: I’ve told my kids since they were young that they would graduate from college. I believe higher education is critical for success. It broadens your horizons, challenges your worldviews, and helps you find your passions. I finished my degree so my kids would see me as a leader, not someone who is all talk and no action.
MY HIGHEST POINT: I graduated one month before my two eldest children graduated from college. We celebrated our accomplishments at a combined graduation party with family from Chicago, New York, and New Jersey, which made it special. It was one of my proudest moments.
MY NEXT CHALLENGE: I’ve volunteered my entire adult life with organizations like Meals on Wheels, UNICEF, and the Special Olympics. My volunteerism is one way I show I am committed to creating a better world. Walden reinforced that passion for community service by emphasizing the importance of social change. My next goal is to find a career at a nonprofit to help change peoples’ lives every day.
Tell us how you did it at myWaldenAlumni.com/shareyourstory.
Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.