Finish Line - Students Speak!

See what Finish Line students are saying about their experience with the Finish Line program.

Susan F.

Summer 2024 graduate

"This program was great, helped my utilize all the classes I spent so much time doing. I am excited to see what the future holds. I LOVED working with (my advisor), she listened, was able to get me a scholarship, helped problem solve, assisted in getting courses approved and it was all very easy and streamlined. And many other positives which I may have missed. I would highly recommend this program to anyone with prior college classes that went on hold because life happened. 

My journey was long and took many different side turns. But it all lead me back to The University of Memphis. I started out at Scottsdale Community College in 1991 with no ideas of what to do. After the initial year I transferred to Northern Arizona University with the ideas of studying math and hotel management. I became unsure and left school for full time work. I had taken a job a few years later in Memphis and though it was time to finish my degree so I signed up and started my journey in Marketing. Sadly I never followed through and dropped out to see full time employment. After several years of working, I moved to Colorado in search of something new. After many years went by, I became more interested in health and well-being, so I found myself signing up for the nutrition program at Metro State in Denver. Halfway through the first semester I found out I was going to have a baby and put a hold on this program. After my son was born, I have some time to figure out what I wanted to do, and I found myself back at U of M taking marketing classes online. After the first two classes, I sadly ran out of funding and money and had to again abort my degree. Fast forward to 2023, I was laid off from my career job of 4 years and decided to take time off to reflect, spend time with my family and figure out the next step. I was surfing the web to see about going back to finish my degree through U of M and came across a link to the Finish Line Program. I clicked and with in 48 hours I was on a call with (Finish Line). We quickly worked out a plan, and put it into action. This led to my August graduation date. I could not be happier to have taken all the courses I have taken and use them for a combined program with a focus on my two favorite areas Marketing, and Health. Here today I am writing this, thinking of all the places I have been, all of life experiences and for this day coming Aug 3, I couldn't be more proud and excited. 

This program had a profound impact on me. Working with (my advisor) made all the difference. Knowing that all I had worked so hard for all the years in the past were finally going to count for something I could use to better my future. And I can show my son that going to college is important. Having this degree, will continue to open up more job opportunities because I can NOW check the box has a Bachelors Degree! This gives me a sense of pride knowing that I can and will succeed. Having this degree will have a profound impact on the rest of my life. I was so inspired by the writing projects final course UNIV 4995, it made me think critically about my life and what I have given to the community, how I interact with people and how to do research for job searching, writing and digging deep into my own life. I am forever grateful for this course. I feel more confident about who I am as a person and feel more confident in my writing abilities. This will help me go far in whatever path I choose to create upon graduation. Not only will this be a positive outcome for me but also for my son. 

Having this degree is going to impact my life in so many ways. I know that already I feel a great sense of pride (Tiger of course). I know that this accomplishment will open many doors for me. I will now be able to apply for jobs that would have been out of reach due to the degree requirement. This also opens the door for me to continue my education whether it be a masters degree program or getting licensed to become a teacher. I know now with a degree I can qualify to be a substitute teacher in my sons district, so I will be able to have some work while I build my next chapter in life. This U of M chapter is one that has created such a positive mark on a seemingly bad situation after losing my job. I know my trajectory has now changed, and I feel more confident, a sense of pride, and a feeling of sharing this with my one and only supporter....my son. This has had a huge impact on us over the last couple months."

Johnny W.

Spring 2024 graduate

"I started my journey in 2002 at UTC but after 3 years I dropped out in 2005. In 2020, I decided it was time to return to school at Los Angeles Valley College and graduated with an associate degree in 2022. After finishing, I knew I wanted my bachelors and thus decided to leave LA, move back to Memphis and finish in my hometown. (Finish Line has) given me the confidence to know that I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I ask for help. I am now officially a college graduate something I never thought I could or would do. Prior to this, dropping out of school was my biggest regret and 20 years I can do that I am now a college graduate. It’s the proudest moment of my life. I can know become a teacher and start making a real impact in my hometown."

William C.

Spring 2024 graduate 

"(I) enrolled back in 1999 and played football for the University of Memphis. My senior year I moved to Los Angeles Ca to do stand up comedy. I am now a tv comedian and perform all over the world, however I always felt these last 24 years I have unfinished business at the UoM and promised my mother a college degree may she rest in peace. I know in my heart she will be with me this coming May as I take the stage. Finish Line gave me an opportunity to reach a goal I set for myself and my family as a kid growing up. That goal was to be the first in my entire family to receive a college degree."

Zachary P.

Spring 2024 graduate 

"I am very thankful for Mrs. Norwood.She reached out to me about Finish Line, which I wasn’t aware existed before she did. Without her, I would not be completing my degree when I had 118 credit hours already applied towards my degree." 

Damonic D.

Summer 2023 graduate

“Every few years I would re-enroll, but adulting and parenting full-time while trying to finish a degree is extremely hard work. Then I was introduced to the Finish Line Program. It was finally the opportunity that I needed. My     counselors worked with me to pick the degree that fit my new career goals. They connected me with resources to cover the costs of my courses so I had very little out-of-pocket cost. On August 5, 2023, I was able to walk across the stage to receive my bachelor's degree after 20 years of off-and-on college work. And it was all thanks to the Finish Line program!! I was able to meet my goal of completing my  bachelor's degree before my son finished high school. I couldn't be more proud of myself!"

April G.

Spring 2023 graduate

“I completed four years of undergrad right out of high school (2005-2009) in pursuit of a career in ministry, but was unable to finish. My senior year outside of school was very stressful and I did not have the perspective needed to finish strong. After that year, the time and finances weren't there, and I eventually laid down my desire to finish because I believed that milestone was not meant for me.

In 2019, Finish Line contacted me and offered to assist me in completing my degree. I was thrilled to learn a program like this existed, and that the University sought me out. I reached out in the Fall of 2022 when I was inspired to not only finish my undergrad, but to also begin graduate studies. To my surprise, I discovered that if I was willing to change my major (from a double major in Social Work and Spanish to a single major in Professional Studies), I only needed one semester to graduate. This not only better suited my career goals, but [also] accelerated the vision I had to continue my education.

The support I received from the advisors in the program - from the initial recruitment call in 2019 to the string of conversations that began in 2022 - really made it easy to say yes to my next steps. It is apparent that the Finish Line team really cares for the students entrusted to them, and do not shy away from the unique situations and background they represent.

It will hold not only a significant place in my career journey, but in my personal journey. This degree is more than an educational milestone. My final semester, thirteen years later, has shown me that my hard work and my mistakes from those first four years can be redeemed. I can finish what I started, not only as a student, but as a person.” 

Cassandra R.

Spring 2022 graduate

"I was so excited to learn about this program. I maintained two jobs until a few months before graduation. Most of my previous courses were transferable, I earned credit from training at work, tutoring was available, and everything was online and didn’t affect my workday. I graduated from the University of Memphis 2022 and started a new job with better pay due to me having my degree. By earning my degree, it has made me have the confidence and consideration of going back for my master’s degree. I'm happy that my father was able to witness me in person during Covid-19 as a University of Memphis graduate thanks to the Finish Line Program."

Krizia S.

Spring 2022 graduate 

"I'm very thankful for the Finish Line program. I was able to return to school and complete my degree in a shorter time since the program removed some of the financial barriers. I wish I had known about it sooner. [Having a bachelor's degree] will allow me to apply for more lucrative opportunities within my current organization and also makes me more marketable for other jobs with other companies. Many jobs now require a bachelor's degree to qualify for consideration. [The Finish Line Scholarship] means I can show my children that no matter what happens or how long it takes, complete your degree. It will open up so many possibilities that you thought were out of reach. Thank you for investing in others so we can be positioned to invest in others."  

Sandra P.

Spring 2022 graduate

"I’m 59 years old, started college in 1980 and never finished. Earned hours to be classified as a senior, but never could have or would have finished if it weren’t for U of M Finish Line and the advising I received from Hannah and the team there. I am over the moon happy that U of M has allowed me the opportunity to finally be a college graduate. [Having a bachelor's degree] will give me confidence that I have reached a lifelong personal goal that I actually didn’t think would happen until I reached out to U of M. Everyone was helpful and so encouraging."

Jessica L.

Spring 2022 graduate

"For me, this program gave a very busy working adult and mother a more successful path to a degree. I am a police detective for Memphis and work 10 plus hours daily. I still at times struggled, but I have made it though. I also showed my now 11 year old son that giving up is not an option. The timing of things is not always in our hands, but God's, and this program is proof."

Larry M.

Fall 2021 graduate 

"I was a Senior in 1999 and got involved in advancing my career and let my education goals lag behind. When my oldest son was getting ready to graduate high school, he challenged me and told me that he would get his degree before me. That was enough said. It has been a long time goal of mine ... something I told my parents I would do when they paid for my first semester in 1982. They have passed but I know they would be proud. Finish Line set an easy path for me to follow in regards to what I needed to do to finish my degree. It also allowed me to use my 30+ years in work experience to be used to support finding my degree program." 

Abigail B.

Spring 2021 graduate 

"Finish Line got me to a degree! My advisor helped me create a plan that was easy to stick to and made it seem way more doable and less overwhelming. It made me feel like my dreams of graduating were possible." 

Natarsha B.

Spring 2021 graduate

"The Finish Line program has changed my life forever! I always wanted to be a college graduate and you all made it possible even when I thought I wanted to give up. I am forever grateful." 

Lakeshia C.

Spring 2020 graduate

"Without the help of the Finish Line program, I would not have been able to obtain my degree.  The advisors in the Finish Line program were always prompt with communication and willing to provide helpful resources during my degree completion experience. I appreciate the Finish Line program staff for the encouragement I needed to succeed." 

Tiffany H.

Spring 2019 graduate

"My advice to students incoming and to those beginning again, is to never give up. Keep pushing and trying until you just can’t anymore. When life happens and you have to take a step back, breathe and know that programs like Finish Line will see you to the finish." 

Sharon G.

"Getting a job interview is much easier now. I hadn't worked in years. I was a stay at home mom for 14.5 years before I enrolled in Finish Line. No one was trying to hire or interview me before I graduated. I'm so excited! Thinking about getting a Master's degree is no longer a thought. I'm about to make it happen. That Doctorate degree isn't too far away either." 

Sarah B.

"I started at the University of Memphis when I was in the middle of my career as a professional firefighter in Charleston, SC. Several years and one 3 year-old later, when I graduate in May I will have been a professional Fire Captain for four years. I am the only female captain in my department. The U of M has prepared me for success, which will only continue until retirement. Earning my bachelor's degree has further inspired me to move on to graduate school."

Kimberly

"Finish Line provided the flexibility I needed to keep my job while continuing my education. The program has been a true blessing. My journey has been 10 years in the making, striving to find a way to complete my undergraduate degree. I also had an amazing advisor who was with me every step of the way. I can proudly say that I am a college graduate!" 

John

"I feel grateful to finally have the diploma that I worked so hard to achieve many years ago. It was awesome to see my kids in the crowd at graduation. They now know that it is never too late to achieve your goals. The people at the Finish Line program were instrumental in making my dreams of graduation a reality. They made the whole process very simple and for that I am truly grateful. The program is a wonderful addition to the University of Memphis."

Anonymous

"Awesome experience. The guidance provided made the process stress-free. Angela was quick to get back to me when I had questions and let me know what the next steps were in the process.  My journey is one of decades. I have been very successful in my career without my degree due to hard work and dedication; however, I always felt incomplete until I made the decision to complete my degree. Without Angela's help, I easily may have put off completion another semester. She is wonderful and wants the student to succeed.  The Finish Line has given me a sense of self-fulfillment and satisfaction. After years of putting my personal needs on the back burner, I achieved this for myself. I am very grateful of the program and completing something I started so long ago. It is a dream come true for me."