Renee made some heavy choices when she was just 16 years old. Not knowing what else to do, she continued in her abusive marriage for 10 years. Finally she had to save her family from destruction and escaped with her 4 children, running over two thousand miles away, to Utah. With only a high school diploma, very little self-confidence, work experience, or hope, she made the brave choice to start at UVU.
She was 27 years old with no academic direction. She was surviving but living in survival mode, day in and day out.
Renee connected with the Women's Success Center. She was mentored. She was awarded a WISP scholarship. She started an internship. Through these opportunities, Renee became involved on campus and in the community, bringing her children along. She gained self-confidence. For the first time, she felt empowered. Renee achieved her goal in May 2015 and GRADUATED with her bachelor's degree in communications. She is grateful for the support she found at the WSC in some of her darkest hours and the excitement they shared with her in the happiest of times. Working for and gaining her degree has changed not only her life, but also the lives of generations to come.