Arleen Flint had an exceptionally difficult childhood. With parents who were forced to drop out of school at young ages in order to support Flint and her seven siblings, she had few people to inspire her to pursue her educational goals. Flint dropped out of high school after she was sexually assaulted during her junior year, an event so traumatic that it initially derailed her ambition to pursue a higher education. Despite all this, Arleen made a commitment to get an education to improve her life.

After her children finished high school, Arleen enrolled at AIU Houston to pursue a degree in business. “I have regained my focus and I refuse to be defeated. Education is very important to me,” she says, “and I hope that one day my children will see how important it can be to them.” She graduated with her associate’s degree in June, and is looking forward to continuing her education at AIU. She took a moment out of her busy schedule to share some thoughts with WomenAchieve.

WA: During your formative and early adult years, who or what were the major influences on your educational and/or professional goals?

AF: The most influential people in my life are my mother (now deceased) and the women at my church. They were and are women of distinction, and their belief in higher learning really sparked my interest in pursuing a higher education.

WA: What obstacles, if any, did you face as you began your college education?

AF: I have faced many hardships involving finances, transportation, age and timing. I faced my biggest obstacle in September 2008, after Hurricane Ike ravaged Houston. I was left without a place to live. I was homeless, and after brief stays with multiple friends, I reached out to a fellow church member who connected me with an affordable co-op rental in Houston.

While my past experiences would have left most women disheartened, I feel fortunate to have found a support system through AIU, where the passionate teachers, friendly environment, supportive administration and invaluable friendships have encouraged my entrepreneurial spirit.

WA: How has attending college classes changed your family life or routine?

AF: I’ve had to discipline myself with study habits, focus on the goal of attaining my degree and organize my schedule to accommodate work, school and family.

WA: What are your professional and personal plans after you obtain your degree?

AF: I hope to open a home for foster children and other displaced people, including a “home away from home” for students to make sure they have adequate living arrangements while they’re enrolled in school. I also want to own my own home, buy a new car and start a program at my church to help people be successful in life. Through my degree, I know I will be able to provide a better life for myself, my children and the people I hope to one day help.

WA: What is your most memorable achievement and why?

AF: My most memorable achievement is earning my associate’s degree. I am the first college graduate in my family.

WA: What inspirational message would you like to share with women who are striving to achieve their goals?

AF: Don’t allow anything to stop you from reaching your goals. Stay focused, keep a positive attitude and persevere until you have achieved your dreams. I am grateful for the bonds I have made at AIU, the life I have shared with family and friends and the endless possibilities I now have, thanks to education, to help others and make a difference in their lives. Also, you never know in life who will cross your path so always keep your chin up – you never know where it will lead.