"After extensive research regarding my educational options in Polk County, I decided upon USF's campus in Lakeland," says Dominique Blume. "The choice was obvious. I could receive a bachelor's degree without having to travel far from home. Plus, the value for the education was excellent."

After home-schooling her children and then enrolling them in public school, Dominique realized how much she missed teaching. So she decided to go back to school and study for a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

She enrolled in fall 2003 and admits she was a little nervous since it had been several years since she had attended college. However, her concerns were quickly eradicated as she found the faculty and staff helpful and encouraging.

"The Elementary Education program was excellent," she says. "I felt I was well prepared at every turn. The internships I completed truly were helpful as well as the course content and curricula."

Dominique now teaches at Daniel Jenkins Academy. She also continued her education and graduated in May 2008 with a master's degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern.