News Article

NORTH EAST, Md: As a single mother who returned to college later in life, Breahna Riess’s journey from GED recipient to successful banking professional and proud college graduate is inspiring. From completing an associate degree in Business Administration from Cecil College in May 2024 to continuing the path toward a bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics from Wilmington University, Ms. Riess is laser-focused on a prosperous life for herself and her daughter.

While working in the banking industry, she reached a career milestone where she observed that, without a degree, her advancement was limited compared to her peers. This realization sparked her decision to pursue higher education. Enrolling at Cecil College, she found that the academic environment significantly enhanced her accountability and organizational skills, positively impacting her professional and personal life.

“I was nervous about returning to school,” she recalls, “but the admissions process was surprisingly seamless. The staff was incredibly helpful, making everything from finding my GED records to setting up placement tests easy and quick. I didn’t expect the process to be so straightforward.”

“I chose Cecil College because they offered many online classes, which was crucial during the pandemic. The flexibility allowed me to study at my own pace, and the professors were understanding and accommodating, especially when I had issues like a sick child,” said Ms. Riess.

Juggling work, school, and home life remained a constant challenge for Ms. Riess. Arranging childcare, completing homework assignments, meeting her work obligations, and finding time for her own mental fitness became priorities. Family support played a crucial role in her journey.

“My mom was always there to help with childcare, which was invaluable. Although I felt guilty for relying on her, her support was essential. I tried to balance time with my daughter, integrating schoolwork into our activities, when possible,” said Ms. Riess. “When I started classes, I was working the second shift and did schoolwork during the early hours of the morning. It was exhausting but manageable. Over time, my job became more flexible, which allowed me to better balance my responsibilities.”

 Ms. Riess was also focused on college affordability. As a community college, attending Cecil College provided an affordable option, with her Pell financial aid package covering most of her tuition, books, and supplies. Keeping a close eye on her finances, she took advantage of the back-to-school sales to purchase supplies for the year and required textbooks. If she was unable to afford a new version of the textbook, she would scour Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay to find them secondhand.

“I came out of Cecil College without student loans, and I plan not to have any student loans when I finish my degree at Wilmington University,” said Ms. Riess, who was the recipient of the Wilmington University Transfer Scholarship, which is a program agreement between Wilmington University and Cecil College. Along with several other scholarships from outside organizations, her employer also provides $7,500 annually in educational reimbursements.

“Cecil College gave me the confidence to advance in my career. It helped me become more organized and accountable at home and work,” said Ms. Riess.

Ms. Riess’s journey serves as a compelling reminder that higher education is valuable and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. With determination, strategic planning, and a supportive network, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s dreams. Her story illustrates how returning to college can profoundly transform one’s career and self-confidence, fostering significant personal growth.