For many non-traditional students at Northern Kentucky University, finding inspiration to finish their studies isn’t hard. Sometimes, it’s right in front of them.
“I think it’s easier for me to keep my eye on the prize because my reminders are around me every day,” Amanda Lewis, graduating senior and public relations major, says. “I am doing this so that I can provide a better life and foundation for my kids.”
Lewis, a mother of three young children, returned to NKU in 2019 through the Gateway2NKU program, which is designed to help ease a transition from a student at Gateway Technical and Community College to a student at NKU. Lewis previously attended NKU on a part-time basis from 2007-11. With children, affordability and convenience are two common factors for choosing a school. That was the case for Lewis.
“I selected NKU because I wouldn’t have to totally uproot my family to complete my education,” Lewis says.
Once on campus, Lewis took full advantage of the opportunities presented to her. She studied abroad in Prague earlier this semester, and as a junior, she worked in the Office of the LGBTQIA+ Student Initiatives. Working in the office and seeing the support the university offers for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ instilled in her a sense of pride.
“I worked their booth at Fresh Fusion that fall, and part of our table swag was (and still is) various pride flags,” Lewis says. “Seeing the look of joy these students had when they realized they could get their flag and understood there is a place of acceptance here meant so much to me.”
Putting in the hard work became a theme for Lewis. In addition to the LGBTQIA+ Student Initiatives Office, Lewis worked in the Office of Parents Attending College in the Student Union, where she was able to connect with other students who are parents.
She was also able to work in several internships, her favorite being with meetNKY, an organization in northern Kentucky that provides tourism opportunities and information. The impact that the organization had on the region had an even more meaningful impact on Lewis, who wants to work post-graduation for an organization that boosts an entire region.
“They helped me to change my perspective on what it means to make an impact on the region, and they showed me what a supportive, growth-based workplace should look like,” Lewis says.
Between working in on-campus jobs, studying abroad, and taking on internships, all while being a mother to three children, Lewis made it a point to take advantage of resources NKU has to offer. In fact, she recommends it to incoming students.
“Try all the things. Explore career options, think about more than what your future paycheck will be. Join clubs, talk to people, make connections,” Lewis says. “It’s hard to do if you commute but try. It will make your experience far more enriched.”
In addition, she hopes everyone can find their passion, much like she did.
“I have discovered that I am really passionate about working with an organization that creates lasting change and makes a difference in the lives of people, particularly in this region,” Lewis says. “Someday I would be incredibly honored to work for an organization that works to improve the lives of LGBTQA+ youth.”
