Catching Up With Miranda Cramer
As an inaugural recipient of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Scholarship program, Miranda Cramer achieved her goal of earning a bachelor’s degree from Franklin University in just one year. After walking across the stage this spring, Miranda reflected on her experience balancing work, school, and life, as well as her plans for the future.
Almost a year has passed since you were named a USA scholarship winner. Looking back, how would you describe your overall educational experience at Franklin University?
My experience with Franklin was incredible. From professors to advisors, everyone was so kind. The courses were well laid out, and the material taught was relevant to each course. The assignments were designed to help us learn and weren’t just “busy work.”
How did the financial support specifically help you stay focused and on track throughout your coursework?
Being able to go back to school without having to worry about student loans or any other financial burden related to my education helped greatly. I was given the opportunity for a second chance and didn’t want to blow it. I doubled down on courses so that I could complete them in a year.
Did you have a favorite course?
I really enjoyed the leadership courses. I learned about different leadership styles—both the ones I wanted to use and the ones I didn’t.
This program was designed to make college more accessible with online courses and flexible scheduling. Can you describe what your experience was like balancing school, work, and home life?
Initially, it was tough trying to make the adjustments needed to balance school, work, and home life. It took me almost a month to get acclimated to my “new” life. Once I had a routine in place, it became much easier. I work from home, so I already had an office. I set up another desk in my office so that I had a workstation for work and a workstation for school, allowing me to separate the two. I also had set days and times for completing homework based on assignment due dates.
Last year, you talked about wanting to show your daughter that when you put your mind to something, you keep pushing. Now that you’ve actually crossed that finish line, what was it like walking across that stage with her in mind?
It was an incredible feeling to be able to show her that it’s never too late to finish something you started.
What are your plans now that you’ve graduated? Are there new career goals or opportunities you’re actively pursuing?
Now that I’ve graduated, I am pursuing my MBA in organizational leadership. I don’t have any new career opportunities that I am actively pursuing at this time.
How does this degree change your mindset and the way that you go about your career and community involvement?
Completing this degree changed my mindset from wondering if I could do it to knowing that I can achieve difficult goals through hard work and perseverance. It has made me a stronger professional, a better role model for my family, and has motivated me to stay involved in my community by encouraging others to pursue their education and career goals.
In your opinion, what would you tell people, especially working adults, who are on the fence about going back to school?
I would tell working adults that it’s possible. It may seem hard to balance work, school, and home life at first, but once you get into the swing of things, it becomes easier to navigate.
Learn more about the Union College Benefit and the USA’s partnership with Employee Benefit Systems, Inc. and Franklin University..
