Page 17 - The MIL Connection: Summer 2024

“The hardest part of being a full-time employee and a part- I could not have made it through this without the support
time student is finding or making the time for homework of my manager and my team, especially the final semester.
and to study. I found once I set a daily schedule for work and During the last eight weeks I was working full time and taking
studying things got a lot easier. I planned everything from three classes to complete my degree. My manager, Tina Norris,
work, to homework, papers, tests, to my downtime and some supported me every step of the way by allowing me to adjust
“just in case time.” I knew I couldn’t give 100% to everything if my work schedule when needed to help meet the demands of
I wasn’t also giving myself downtime to relax and recuperate. my classes. My team was also a tremendous help. They made
My schedule including what I called “just in case time,” sure things continued to run smoothly and as usual when I
allowed for unforeseen circumstances that may come up. If needed to step away for school. They also offered continued
my homework was due at 11:59 on Sunday, I had everything support when things got tough, their cheerleading efforts did
planned to submit the homework no later than Saturday not go unnoticed or under appreciated. The support I received
afternoon. This allowed me to have a little leeway for those from everyone was a huge help in achieving this goal.”
unforeseen circumstances if they came up. If homework was After a decade and a half spent striving single mindedly
turned in before Saturday, then that additional time was free towards her goal, Christine is unsure about her next step.
time for me.” “Right now, I am going to take some time off to reflect and
Despite careful planning and precision execution, sometimes decide what my next steps/goals are. I have not ruled out
the grind had Christine ready to give up. But what got her going for my bachelor’s degree but for now, I am going to
through to the other side was her family... focus on me.”
“I considered quitting many times. My family is what got However, Christine is clear about the counsel she’d offer to
me through the difficult times, they were my driving force. I other MIL staffers considering beginning there own journey to
wanted to show them that you can accomplish anything you higher education.
set your mind to, regardless of how long it takes. I also had “The best advice I could give is “Don’t give up, you can do it!”
a great team here at work cheering me on. When things got It takes dedication and determination, but once your mind is
tough, they would send words of encouragement to help me set you can accomplish anything. Also, plan and break it down
overcome and persevere. to small goals. Don’t look at it like it’s going to take you X
number of years to get your degree, look at it as one semester
or class at a time.”

Candice Menard’s story

Like Christine, MIL Procurement Specialist Candice Menard’s path to higher ed was also a
winding road. She shares her story below.

“I graduated from the College of Southern Maryland with I joined MIL Corporation in late 2022 and was immediately
my Associate’s degree in Arts and Sciences in the Spring supported by my team and my amazing manager (Christine
ceremony that took place in May 2024. Curran) who has always made sure I maintain a great work,
I started my college journey in 2008 right after high school college, and life balance. My team has been one of my many
graduation but quickly realized I wasn’t sure what I wanted biggest supporters and I am lucky to have them!”
in education, which led me into geriatric nursing. I worked in Please join us in congratulating Christine and Candice on their
healthcare for over 12 years and in 2020, I made a temporary determination, dedication, and degrees!
move to care for my mother with cancer. Upon her remission,
I came home, signed up for college classes and kept pursuing
my dream! My mother and my two daughters have been the
biggest motivations for me as I want them to know you can
accomplish anything you put your mind to!

Many MIL staff members are actively pursuing educational goals, advanced training, and professional certifications through
higher education. And each employee takes a different path and has a unique experience. Thank you to Christine and Candice
from MIL’s Procurement team for sharing their personal stories with us.

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