She was awarded two scholarships through the UVU Women’s Success Center (WSC), which
solved the first problem. She says her second concern was unfounded. She felt this
on her first day at UVU.
“The faculty, administration and students were all so loving and kind to me. They
were helpful; I made friends with other students my age and friends with those much
younger than me. It was amazing.”
The WSC also has provided Searle with a foundation of support.
“The Women’s Success Center really helped me. I would recommend their services to
other students on campus. I applied for scholarships through the WSC, and those allowed
me to attend school without having to worry so much about finances.”
Searle enjoys public health but plans to continue her education after graduating from
UVU. She is applying to a sonography program at Weber State with the goal of working
in a hospital setting, where she hopes to perform women’s imaging.
She says UVU provided the tools and confidence needed to apply for such a program
and the ability to provide for her family.
“I can finish things that I start. Getting my degree from UVU has been everything
to me because now I can provide for my family. Most of all, I hope that my children
learn resilience and know that if something is hard and scary, it is still possible.”
Women are encouraged to take advantage of the Women’s Success Center as Searle did.
The center offers women the support and resources they need to complete their degree
and gain the confidence, opportunities and knowledge that come with a diploma. UVU
is dedicated to providing higher education opportunities to all who seek them, especially
to women.