For Mary Courtney, working full time and going to school full time requires a great deal of sacrifice, but she knows the reward will be worth it.
Currently a customer service assistant with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Mary plans to graduate with honors and then transfer into a finance-related position with the sheriff's office.
"I balance the demands of work and school with first of all prayer and meditation, " she says, "then by sacrificing and allocating a great deal of my time on my studies. I take advantage of every opportunity that I have. For example on my lunch break from work one will see me working on my assignments. I also allocate my weekends to my assignments, and I do not leave out my health. I leave work and go to the gym on nights that I do not attend class. I know that all my hard work and sacrifice will benefit me in the end."
When she's not working, studying or attending classes, Mary makes time to get involved with Delta Sigma Pi, the national business fraternity.
"I feel that just being a member of such a prestigious organization like Delta Sigma Pi will help advance my academic and career goals," she says.
Mary says one advantage of USF Polytechnic is the chance to get to know and work closely with the faculty, especially Carol Osborne and Bob Mertzman.
"I like both of their teaching styles," she explains. "Ms. Osborne is such a great educator that she leaves her students eager to return for their next encounter. Mr. Mertzman's class was an online class, but I truly enjoyed listening to him. He kept me informed about updates with the class. He explained over and over again how one could make an A in his class and he constantly emphasized not waiting until the last minute to turn in assignments."
Mary also credits the staff at USF Polytechnic with playing a key role in her academic success.
The financial aid advisors have been a huge support to Mary. "They keep me informed about my financial aid and were always eager to see me," says Mary.
Her academic advisor also contributes a great deal to her educational journey. Mary says, "All I have to do is come in to see her each semester and she prints out a schedule of all the classes I need to take. I know that by having caring counselors like these ladies by my side, success at USF Poly is not just a dream. It will quickly become a reality for me."