CNL Student Spotlight: Kelly Hudson

Bachelor of Liberal Studies, Graduated May 2007

Going back to school may be the hardest thing Kelly Hudson has ever done.  But that decision has also yielded the greatest rewards. 

“It was a very personal decision to go back and get my degree,” said Kelly. “I wanted to finish what I had started in the past, and I often felt like there was something missing in my life. Now, I have more focus, confidence and energy to share with others than ever before.”

"It was really beneficial to learn from others and their experience."

Kelly credits much of her success through the Center for New Learning to her adviser, Lynn Brandt. Lynn’s support and encouragement gave Kelly the extra push needed to keep going, as well as a vote of confidence toward her efforts.

“Lynn always told me to never give up, and that I would graduate. Without her being there for me, I know I would have quit or stepped out again,” remembers Kelly. “The relationships built with colleagues and professors at the University also enhanced my learning. It was really beneficial to learn from others through their experience, too.”

Center for New Learning was also a good fit for Kelly due to the flexibility of distance education courses offered. With a full-time job and kids to take care of at home, being able to take hybrid and online courses was the perfect solution to meshing real life with getting her degree.

Kelly was able to take advantage of many convenient campus resources through CNL as well, including tutoring services, the writing lab, the on-campus bookstore, library, counseling center and the health center.

"Before you know it, you will be graduating and feel on top of the world!"

After graduating in May 2007, Kelly landed a position within the very organization that helped her succeed: the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for New Learning. Now working as the associate student services and recruitment coordinator, Kelly manages to balance work while attending graduate school at the same time.

“I recently told my director at CNL that this is the first time in my life that I can say I love what I do and am in the right place,” said Kelly. “Going back to school has turned my life upside down and inside out – all for the better.”

Kelly advises others to consider going back to school too, regardless of apparent physical, financial and emotional challenges.

“Don’t be afraid,” she said. “I came across many hurdles that I thought I could never jump over. But, the people at CNL will help you succeed and, before you know it, you will be graduating and feel on top of the world. And, I will be there applauding for you!”

Congratulations, Kelly, on your success and good luck in the future!

Contact Kelly

UW Oshkosh
(920) 637-0001
(800) INFO-UWO (463-6896)
hudsonk@uwosh.edu

UW-Washington County
(920) 637-0001
(800) INFO-UWO (463-6896)
kelly.hudson@uwc.edu

UW-Fond du Lac
(920) 637-0001
(800) INFO-UWO (463-6896)
hudsonk@uwosh.edu

Moraine Park Technical College
(920) 637-0001
(800) INFO-UWO (463-6896)
hudsonk@uwosh.edu