Page 10 - Laker Connection Spring 2012

No matter how short or long the journey is for a student to graduation, it is a journey of self-discovery , success and, at times, tribulation. Laura Fortner began her journey in 1993 when she knew there was no place she would rather be than at Clayton State.
“I wanted to be something for my kids, to just be something. I decided after two kids, who were in grade school, to get myself into college. I knew from the start I wanted to be at Clayton State and pursue nursing. I knew from very early on that was my path I needed to be on,” says Laura.
While taking a full course load, Laura was a full-time mother and work- ing two part-time jobs. She worked hard and was quite the successful student. However in 1996, with only six months to graduation, Laura was dealt an emo- tional blow.
“After eight years of marriage and two children, I was facing divorce. My life was flipped upside down and it just became a very emotional time for me. I had to step away from finishing my de- gree, but I stepped away with intent to finish one day,” she expresses.
After stepping away from college, Laura settled into being mom and work- ing for a local hospital, not a small feat. Eventually she met someone and to- gether, they welcomed her youngest son. Not too long after his birth, Laura found herself back in class in January 2009.
“I was on my way to finishing what I started, then in May of 2009, I found out my husband of 13 years wanted a di- vorce. Here I am once again with my personal life flipped upside down and inside out. This time, however, I decided not to step away or quit. I was bent on finishing my education,” she says.
Laura turned to Clayton State’s Counseling & Psychological Services and met with the staff on a regular basis to keep herself uplifted and on a path of success.
“Clayton State’s faculty and staff have been inspiring and supportive. Many areas have played roles in sup- porting me to be a successful student. We have tutors and professors who al- ways have their doors open, who are ready and willing to help students suc- ceed,” she says.
Determined to obtain a degree, while she waited to hear from the School of Nursing regarding her acceptance in the program, she decided to pursue a different degree path. Feeling somewhat defeated, she wanted to prove she could be a successful student and begin the Criminal Justice program.
“One day I got the call from the School of Nursing; I was accepted! In the fall semester of 2010, I began my journey once again to finish my nursing degree. Therefore, here I am, a double major student with the intent to gradu- ate with honors,” she says.
Laura will walk across the stage at graduation and accept her B.S.N. this spring. However, she will not walk alone; she will be joined by her first- born, Chris Mills, as he receives a Bach- elor of Information Technology degree. Laura will also earn her B.S. in Criminal Justice in the summer of 2012.
“My mom always has my back and is always supportive in my decision paths. She is my role model for sticking with school until the end,” says Mills.
Laura and Chris are not the only col- lege students in the family; her daughter Alyssa Mills is currently studying psy- chology at Clayton State with plans to graduate in the spring of 2016.
“My mom’s road to graduation has definitely been a long one, and I know it hasn't always been easy for her. Her de- termination is what drives me to stay motivated. My mom is truly an amazing woman, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She encourages me to stay strong and reminds me that my hard work will pay off in the end,” says Alyssa.
Laura is currently volunteering for her School of Nursing requirements, and the Honors Student Association, as well as serving secretary for the Clayton State Criminal Justice Society . Chris Mills worked in The Hub as a technical analyst for five years.
The family says they have echoed one fact; professors at Clayton State want you to succeed.
8 THE LAKER CONNECTION