A Quiet Victory, A New Chapter

After three years of online study, I have reached a milestone that once felt very far away—I have graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

This wasn’t a traditional college experience. It was built in the margins of real life—between caregiving responsibilities, appointments, paperwork, and the daily rhythms of home. Progress didn’t come in big leaps. It came quietly, one class at a time.

My degree emphasis is in Family History Research and Administrative Assistant, supported by three certificates. These represent more than coursework—they reflect training in careful research, thoughtful analysis, and the kind of organization that brings clarity to complex lives and records.

Somewhere along the way, this stopped being just a degree. It became preparation to do meaningful work, to serve others, and to help individuals and families understand where they come from and why it matters.

I feel a deep sense of accomplishment, not just for finishing, but for persevering. And now, I am ready for what comes next.

I am beginning to build my own genealogy business, where I can help others uncover their stories, solve family mysteries, and preserve their histories for future generations.

My next step is to pursue credentialing through the Board for Certification of Genealogists. This will be both a professional goal and a personal challenge—one that will stretch my skills and deepen my work.

Graduation is often described as the end of something. For me, it feels like a beginning rooted in the past, but reaching forward.

Are you curious about your own family history?

I am now accepting a limited number of research inquiries as I begin building my professional genealogy practice. Whether you are just starting or have a long-standing mystery, I would love to help you take the next step.

Feel free to reach out through my contact page or leave a comment below.