Being a non-traditional student can be challenging at times, and Angela Calbert, business management senior, knows how to deal with some of these struggles.
Calbert is a full-time student who also works in Campus Life as a volunteer coordinator. She also holds the position of treasurer in the Multi-Cultural Student Union where she has been a member for two years.
As treasurer, some of her tasks include financing, bookkeeping and membership responsibilities.
“Our mission at MSU is to bring diversity to the campus and to create a forum in which everyone’s voice can be heard,” Calbert said.
As one could see, Calbert is a very busy person and has many titles, but the one she said she adores the most is being called mom. Calbert’s biggest responsibility is being a mother to her 3-year-old daughter, Azariah.
“My daughter is my inspiration for going to school,” Calbert said.
Calbert said she began to think differently once Azariah was born.
“Once I had my daughter, I realized that the money I was making wasn’t enough to support us full-time,” Calbert said. “I wanted to better myself by getting an education. I made pretty decent money at previous jobs, and I did not want to miss out on that money by going to school.”
Calbert made the decision to go to school and said she hasn’t looked back since. Calbert’s motivation to accomplish her goals isn’t anything new.
“Angela has always been a very inspirational and motivating person,” Laureka Robinson, communications junior, said.
Robinson, who is also a MSU member, has known Calbert for two years.
“We first met in class and have remained friends ever since,” Robinson said. “Angela has always been goal-orientated and an excellent parent.”
Many students find balancing schedules too difficult and give up on their education—but not Calbert. Calbert remains on a “full steam ahead” path to her dream job.
“I want to start off as a human resources manager where it’s up to me to decide who to hire or fire and eventually work my way up to CEO of a large company where I oversee many employees,” Calbert said.
Calbert said her time at IU Southeast has been fun, and she has been making a lot of connections.
“I know a lot of students and faculty members, so I’m trying to network and build up references and resources that I can use when I get into my career.”
Calbert said she doesn’t know how she juggles everything. However, Calbert’s hard work and determination has led to a 3.1 GPA, but she said it wasn’t easy.
“My first semester at IUS was pretty challenging,” Calbert said. “I used to be an internet junky.”
“Facebook was my choice of habit,” Calbert said. “You could catch me on Facebook day or night. I was allowing myself to get distracted from the bigger picture. I had to get re-focused and back on track.”
By GARRETT TAYLOR
Staff
gartaylo@imail.iu.edu