For most people, attending college while also working two jobs would seem a nearly impossible task. But Cassandra Louis, ’20, has found a way to make it work.
Ms. Louis attends classes evenings at BSU Attleboro, where she is pursuing a degree in management. Weekdays she works full time as a parts administrator at a truck parts distribution center, and on weekends she is a part-time residential counselor for an agency that serves people with developmental disabilities and mental illness.
“You have to stay on track,” the Pawtucket, R.I., resident said of how she manages to be a conscientious student while holding two jobs. “My approach is not to procrastinate. It’s hard sometimes because you like to come home from work and relax. But I can’t allow myself to fall behind.”
Ms. Louis is part of the first group of students to enroll in the management degree program that BSU began offering at its Attleboro site last fall. The program is geared to part-time students who attend classes at night.
A Brooklyn native, Ms. Louis worked as a recreation team leader in a nursing home and obtained an associates’ degree in liberal studies from Kingsborough Community College. After relocating to Brockton in 2012, she attended Massasoit Community College for a time with the idea of studying to become a radiologist, later transferring to BSU to pursue her current degree.
Once Ms. Louis completes her degree, her goal is to work as a human resources manager either at her current agency or in healthcare. For the moment, she is enjoying her experience at BSU Attleboro.
“I find the professors really want to see you do well and they give you the desire to improve yourself overall, not just in class,” she said.
Ms. Louis said she appreciates as well the opportunity to attend classes with others who, like her, are often older than the traditional college student and bring some life experience.
“It seems like everyone in class is on the same page,” she said. “Everyone has the same outlook when you are in an adult class. They are a little more focused than younger students.”