Following your dreams, even years later
Graduate Profile: Jessica Watson
Jessica Watson saw Governors State University (GovState) as the place where she could continue a journey she put on pause over 16 years ago to raise her daughter.
Her daughter, now in college, encouraged Jessica to follow her goals, which led her to enroll in the Educational Administration - Principal Leadership program. As she approaches graduation, Jessica is well on her way to fulfilling her dream of serving in a leadership role in the education field.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to Governors State University?
Jessica: I was attracted to Governors State University because of the flexibility of the courses offered and the blended instructional model of the Educational Administration program. The principal leadership certification offered three cohort opportunities for working educators to meet weekly. GovState's campus is conveniently accessible between my employer and residency, which allowed me an opportunity to enroll in the master's program while participating in weekly in-person classes in my hometown of Kankakee taught by GovState professors.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with?
Jessica: I have contributed to service-learning at GovState by donating blood during blood drives, participating in food and clothing drives, and planning multiple college exploration trips with high school students to attend various performances at GovState.
GovState Newsroom: What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Jessica: The song that reminds me of this time in my life is “It’s My Time” by Kelly Price. After earning my bachelor's degree over 16 years ago, I put all my educational aspirations on hold to raise my daughter. Now that she has enrolled in college, she encouraged me to pursue my goals. With hesitation to begin a new journey, I reminded myself that “It’s my time to shine” and I decided “I can do it.” Since then, I have played this song in my car daily for the past two years to give me the positive affirmation needed to complete this degree.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Jessica: The possibilities are endless for me in education! I dream of becoming a Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Director of Educational Programming, or serving in an administrative capacity at the public K-12 or college level.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Jessica: The advice I would give to a current and/or future GovState student is to remember your “WHY.” The personal reason “why” you are pursuing your educational goals should be your motivation to stay on track even when obstacles arise. Make your “Why” visible! Take a picture of the people, career pathway, or just the individual “WHY” you are attending GovState and refer to it often.