In 2015, I escaped an abusive marriage. I came to Indianapolis with my 15-year-old daughter, some clothes, a mattress, and a few kitchen items.
I was determined to show my daughter you can survive anything and that you can do anything you want. I enrolled in Ivy Tech with the intention of fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse. It took a little time, but I completed my prerequisites. Unfortunately, I was not accepted into the Ivy Tech nursing program.
I overcame many hurdles to get to IUPUI ... but I am here, and I am still determined to earn my degree and help others.
Tonya Hersha, Class of 2021
I was determined and sought out alternatives. I was accepted to Harrison College and was on my way to becoming an RN. Again, that was not the plan for me. In September of 2018, Harrison College closed without notice. I again was crushed and left without a plan. But again, I was determined to achieve my dream of completing my degree, something I was told I would never accomplish because I was not "smart enough."
My new plan led me to IUPUI. I enrolled in IUPUI with the guidance from different advisors. I am majoring in psychology and working towards that dream of having my degree. My dream is now to get my masters and eventually become a mental health counselor to help other abused women, as well as LGBTQ+ youth.
The best thing about attending IUPUI? I am attending with my daughter, who is now 18. She is a freshman at IUPUI. We are able to have lunch together some days and even have a class together. I overcame many hurdles to get to IUPUI, and even hurdles through the enrollment process here, but I am here, and I am still determined to earn my degree and help others.
Story courtesy of:
Tonya Hersha
Class of 2021
