“I’d been working in the field for a few years,” she said. “But then, in late 2022 and early 2023, some of the girls I worked with started encouraging me to go back to school to get my master’s. They really stressed how much more opportunity there is with a master’s degree in this field. I thought, ‘You know what? I’m going to do it.’”
Ashleigh lives and works in rural Clay County, West Virginia, and going back to school for her master’s degree in social work (MSW) came with logistical challenges.
“I work full time, and life is busy. Driving to campus wasn’t really feasible, but Marshall’s MSW program is completely online,” she said.
The program allowed her to qualify for the advanced standing option, meaning she could fast-track her degree and finish her master’s degree in three semesters.
Though her return to academics came after several years working in the field, Ashleigh found the transition a bit intimidating.
“It was weird getting back into the habit of writing papers again and use APA style to cite sources—things I hadn’t done since 2015,” she said.
Her homecoming was more than just a return to learning, she said it was a deepening of her understanding of social work, especially within a clinical setting.
“I learned the steppingstones of different theories and different ways to interact with clients,” she said. “I think it bridged the whole experience of my career working in mental health and getting my master’s.”
Ashleigh officially transitioned in her role at Prestera Health Services this past Friday and now works as a therapist.
“The degree has already opened up a few doors at work,” she said. “Now, I can potentially get different licenses and advance in my career. The sky’s the limit.”
In trying to balance going back to school with a full-time job, Ashleigh said having a support system was vital to her success.
“My husband really stepped up during those busy times when I had papers and exams. My coworkers and supervisors were also incredibly supportive, always offering advice and encouragement. Having that support made all the difference,” she said.
For more information on completing your education at Marshall University, visit www.marshall.edu/online.
