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For many years, a sense of unfinished business lingered in the back of Lisa Dugal’s mind.

As part of the first graduating class from the local St. Thomas More High School, her Lafayette roots run deep. She had dreams of earning her degree from �鶹ҹ��.

“I enrolled after high school, and I did that off and on for a few years. My focus just wasn’t there,” she recalls.

Life took over — marriage in 1988, raising a family, supporting her husband’s career, and moving to Mandeville, Louisiana.

But as her children graduated and her husband retired, she realized she had a chance to focus on herself.

“In December of 2021, I was thinking of what big, bad, adventurous thing I could do for 2022,” she laughs.

This spirit led her right back to �鶹ҹ�� to earn her degree through the online Health Promotion & Wellness program.

The Road Back to �鶹ҹ��

Dugal’s decision to return to school was fueled by the achievements of those around her.

Her daughter-in-law earned a master’s degree online. Then, a friend just a few years older than her returned to finish his degree.

Seeing her husband’s successful career and her children graduating from college, the idea of finishing her own degree began taking shape.

“The seed was planted, and I was looking on the computer for what I could do. I looked up ‘online degrees' and �鶹ҹ�� popped up,” she says. “I started looking through the degrees they offered online and saw Health Promotion & Wellness. I thought ‘OK, this might be something.’” 

Dugal took the plunge and applied, unsure if she was even eligible.

“I’ve taken care of everyone else my whole life; now I’ve switched the focus to pursue what I want,” she says. “I had unfinished business.”

Embracing Online Learning

Adjusting to online learning was a challenge for Dugal, who describes herself as “not very technically inclined.” 

However, the support she received from �鶹ҹ�� made all the difference. One of the enrollment specialists, whom Dugal fondly refers to as her advocate, was a constant source of support.

“She’d call and always had that cheerfulness,” she says. “It was just good to know that I always had that direct phone call that could help keep me on course. That connection helped so much.”

The faculty connections she made became lifelines, turning the fear of online learning into a manageable, even enjoyable, journey.

“Dr. Katie, the most incredible teacher ever, has online office hours. I showed up every Monday and Thursday for her tutoring sessions,” she says. “Connecting with the teachers and taking advantage of the resources they offer is huge.”

Juggling coursework with personal life was a new balancing act for Dugal.

“It initially felt very selfish to put myself first, because I’ve always been a caregiver for everyone else,” she says. “It’s just been very important to stay on task so that I can be present for my family. They’re the most important thing.”

To master time management, Dugal had to get organized. She relied on two calendars: one for school and one for personal life. 

“The first thing I do when the semester starts is print out the syllabus. Then, I write down all the deadlines in my academic calendar,” she says.

This planning allows her to stay ahead of deadlines and be present for the moments that matter most.

“My son got married in June. I spoke with my teacher about summer classes and told her ‘I’ll be at my son’s wedding, and I need to be present for that,’” she recalls. “She worked with me on my deadlines so that I was able to go.”

Bridging the Gap

Dugal’s internship in yoga instructor training stood out as her favorite course, providing practical skills and a sense of purpose.

“My internship really taught me what I was capable of,” she says. “It was a favorite of mine because it blended the education with hands on experience.”

And as Dugal reflects on her journey, she notes the essential role her support system played in her success.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the love and support of my family and friends. Each played a special role,” she says. “You can’t be afraid to ask for help. You just have to keep moving forward and have faith and trust the process.” 

For Dugal, enrolling in the online program at �鶹ҹ�� was about reclaiming a part of herself that'd been put on hold for too long.

As she completes the program, Dugal looks forward to joining her loved ones in the .

“It'll be an honor to have a brick alongside my husband and my father,” she says. “I really want to spread the message that you’re never too old. It’s never too late. Just remember that you didn’t come this far to only come this far.”

Ready to take the next step in your career? Learn more about the online Health Promotion & Wellness program at �鶹ҹ��.

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