The story of Nicki Price’s academic journey makes the case that it’s never too late to finish what has been started. Nicki began her postsecondary path at the University of Toledo after graduating high school in 1992. As a first-generation college student, Nicki faced significant challenges due to a lack of resources and guidance during the college application process. Her path was far from linear– she changed her major twice, got engaged and after earning a 0.0 her second quarter of sophomore year, she dropped out and embarked on a life filled with relocations and responsibilities.
Nicki got married, had children and moved 14 times in 24 years due to her husband’s active duty military career. Despite the chaos, she never abandoned her educational aspirations. As a military spouse, she took advantage of opportunities to take one-off classes at reduced rates or for free. It was during her time in California, while living near Oxnard College, that Nicki decided to focus on her education. “When I lived in California, the tuition for community college was so low, I realized I needed to finish what I started because I was never going to have the opportunity to attend college at that low of a cost again,” she reflects. With her children in school and working part-time, she persevered and earned her associate degree from Oxnard College in 2017.
Nicki’s journey continued as she transferred to Cleveland State University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in fall 2022. Now, she is on track to earn her master’s degree in public administration from Cleveland State by fall 2024. Throughout her academic journey, Nicki faced numerous challenges, including balancing the demands of being a full-time worker, a student and a mother to five children. Early morning classes, often starting as early as 6:30 a.m., were part of her routine to fit education into her busy schedule.
To encapsulate her time in school, Nicki created a Facebook series called “Confessions of an Over-Aged College Student,” which blended humor and seriousness to highlight her unique challenges and victories as an adult learner. This series served as a reminder to embrace her identity and journey, sharing moments from the classroom that ranged from relatable struggles to tongue-in-cheek anecdotes about generational gaps between her and her peers. One particularly notable moment for Nicki was when a professor referred to her as a colleague rather than just a student. “I was so taken aback by the fact that he saw me in that light. Not only was I a student trying to get my degree, but he also recognized the knowledge I bring to the classroom and professional world,” she recalls. This recognition highlighted the value of her life experiences and the significant contributions she made throughout them.
Nicki’s involvement in Cleveland State’s mentoring program further enriched her journey. Paired with a nonprofit professional, she gained invaluable insights into nonprofit operations, funding and relationship-building, which complemented her academic and professional ambitions. Networking, campus resources and office hours were crucial to her success.
Today, Nicki serves as the mentor recruitment manager at College Now, a role that aligns perfectly with her lived experiences and passion for education. “Honestly, because of my lived experiences, as a first gen, adult learner and mom to young adults that have tried to find their post-secondary pathways, College Now’s commitment to ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities for access, retention and completion of individualized post-secondary journeys resonated with me,” she explains. Her belief in College Now’s mission drove her to apply for the position even before completing her bachelor’s degree. Her journey, spanning over three decades, highlights the importance of support systems, accessible education and the impact of community colleges in providing diverse and inclusive learning environments.
