SINGLE MOM DEMONSTRATES IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
Teresa Jones is going from the moment she wakes up until the moment she goes to bed. In between those times, she fits in a full-time job, a full load of college coursework, plus a son, Dylan, who is an active second grader.

"Evenings after 9 p.m. are when I tackle school," Teresa said, noting that she also has Tuesdays away from work to run errands and do homework while Dylan is at school.

Teresa works as a patient care advocate for Express Scripts, Inc., a mail-order pharmacy. She also spends lots of quality time with Dylan, doing homework, taking karate, and just being a mom.

"I have been going full-time and at times I will tell you I feel overwhelmed. However, I think about the quality of life my efforts will bring to my son," Teresa said. "He understands I go to college but is not too crazy about some of the time my school takes away from his time with me. This is where the online courses really help me."

She is working on an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting through Pueblo Community College – and CCCOnline. Teresa hopes to transfer the credits she earns to Colorado State University in Pueblo where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Teresa tried going to CSU-Pueblo – then the University of Southern Colorado – right after high school. Like so many young people, she spent more time having fun than going to college. Teresa completed a cosmetology certificate, but became allergic to the salon chemicals after only two years as a hair stylist. She moved to Las Vegas, where she worked in real estate for five years before moving back home to Pueblo for good.

"In order to advance at any of my previous employers I needed a degree. So at that age of 41, I went back to school," Teresa said. "I encourage anyone who is in a situation like mine to check out online courses – especially those with CCConline."
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