Name: LaReeca Howell

Hometown: Couch, MO

Currently Resides: West Plains, MO

Occupation: Accounts Payable at Perennial Energy

All Degrees and Certificates Received: Associate of Applied Science in Business-Accounting, Missouri State University-West Plains, 2021

Daughters’ support, encouragement led LaReeca Howell to Missouri State University-West Plains and a new career

Like many non-traditional students who have been out of the classroom for several years, LaReeca Howell had reservations about attending college later in life. She knew she was ready for a career change and that a college degree was the best way to accomplish that goal, but the prospect seemed daunting.

Fortunately, she had the support and encouragement of her two daughters, Ashley Bradshaw and Allie Whitsell, both of whom had completed degrees at Missouri State University-West Plains, and could show her the way.

“I chose to attend Missouri State University-West Plains due to the fact that it was local, and I could attend classes around my job hours,” she said. “It helped that both of my daughters attended Missouri State University-West Plains. They encouraged me to attend and get my degree there.”

Attending MSU-WP gave LaReeca confidence

LaReeca admitted being back in the classroom came with some challenges, even in her favorite classes such as accounting.

“It was hard getting used to studying and going to class as I had been out of high school for 32 years,” she explained. “I don’t think I could have completed my degree if it wasn’t for all the help I received from my adviser, Dasha Russell.”

Ms. Russell helped LaReeca obtain some scholarships, which helped with her financial needs, and directed her to an internship at a local accounting office.

“When I started at Missouri State, I was very quiet and shy,” LaReeca continued. “(Attending the university) gave me the confidence to speak up during discussions and to be a stronger, more confident person.”

‘I felt like I was supposed to be there.’

LaReeca said she is thrilled she stepped out of her comfort zone and enrolled at MSU-WP. “All of my professors were very helpful, and I enjoyed being in my classes. I felt like I was supposed to be there,” she explained.

She considers her greatest achievement is receiving her degree in May 2021 and quickly finding a job where she could use her newly developed skills.

“My greatest professional accomplishment has to be changing careers after 35 years. I love my accounting job and wish I had gotten my degree a long time ago,” she said.

LaReeca also said she’d like to encourage others like her who may be considering enrolling in college to take the leap. “Don’t ever give up on your dreams, no matter your age!”