Patti Laurent had thought about getting a masters degree for years after completing her BA in the 1990s. After being temporarily laid off in the pandemic, she started to seriously consider it, but didn't want anyone to know to make a big deal about it or put pressure on her. She started taking classes and working toward her degree slowly at first, and eventually taking on more courses.

Then last May, a cyst was discovered on her ovary and she was diagnosed with cancer. She underwent six months of chemotherapy all while balancing a full-time job, caring for an aging parent and her coursework. "I think between my work with Marriott and getting my MBA, it helped me progress forward. It distracted me and gave me something productive and something to strive for."

She graduated this past spring, adjusting her treatment slightly to fit her needs. She scheduled her final chemo appointment for May 5th so that she would have the energy to walk across the stage at her graduation on May 3rd. This may not be the end for Laurent. "I never would have even considered Ph.D. or doctorate, but after I started getting close, I thought this was something I could do."

Read more of Laurent's story here.