Meet Diana Wilson, a retired teacher from Mexico who has now come to Ensign College to study digital marketing, social media marketing, and technology account management. After becoming a U.S. citizen last July, she’s proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
A New Beginning
Diana’s journey began at Benemérito las Américas in Mexico, where she dreamed of pursuing a career in marketing. Raised by a single mother with limited resources, her options were few, so she chose to study education instead. After 26 years of teaching and becoming an "empty nester," Diana decided it was finally time to follow her passion and pursue the dream she had always postponed.
Starting Fresh with the Right Certificate
When Diana discovered Ensign College, the career-focused design of the certificates, completed in just a few semesters, excited her. "I don’t need to start from scratch or commit to four years of school," she said. "I’m already a professional, I have soft skills. I needed new skills to complement what I know." The program provided a quick, targeted path to transition into a new career, perfectly aligning with her goals.
Affordable Learning
The affordability of Ensign College was also a key factor in Diana's decision. "Tuition for my kids was $9,000 per semester, so I knew starting a new career would be expensive," she said. "When I saw Ensign's prices, I thought, 'This is amazing!' It's much more affordable, and there are scholarships to make it even better.”
Building Skills and Confidence in a Supportive Community
Diana, whose first language is Spanish, initially felt self-conscious about her accent. However, at Ensign College, she found a supportive community where students from various nationalities are welcomed. “We’re all in the same boat, which makes it easier to grow together,” she shared. The inclusive environment at Ensign has been especially beneficial, as it provides a space where students whose first language isn’t English can thrive. Diana feels supported not only by her peers but also by the faculty, who create an atmosphere where language barriers are overcome with understanding and encouragement.
How Is Diana’s First Semester Going?
Diana has been putting her learning into practice through assignments that push her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. She's working on her portfolio, sending out resumes, networking, and exploring internship opportunities. "The assignments have really encouraged me to take action, whether it’s sending out resumes or connecting with professionals. The focus on getting us into the field right away has been incredibly helpful," she said. This hands-on approach is already giving her the experience needed to succeed in her new career.
A Message to Adult Learners
"It’s never too late. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate. Ensign College provides a safe environment with great support and technology. It’s the perfect time to come back to school. If you think you're too old to start something new, don't stay at home. At Ensign College, you can earn a certificate and learn practical skills, like using artificial intelligence, all in an affordable way. Age is not an obstacle; the environment here is inclusive, and both young and not-so-young students support each other. Additionally, the spiritual atmosphere is very valuable, with devotionals and moments to pray and study the scriptures. It's a great opportunity to continue growing, both academically and spiritually. It's never too late to learn and improve, so take the step!
Ready to Achieve Your Dreams?
Diana’s story shows that it’s never too late to pursue your goals. Ensign College offers affordable, flexible programs with both academic and spiritual support. If you’re ready to take the next step in your education, Contact our admissions team today today to learn more.