Maggie Wimp

After earning her associate’s degree from the College of DuPage (COD), Maggie took her return to school step by step. Now in her late 30s and balancing her responsibilities as a single mother, Maggie was drawn to SCPS for the flexibility it offered working professionals like herself. The online structure and evening classes were crucial in allowing her to continue her education while balancing her busy life. Despite the initial fears of returning to school, Maggie found that the BA in Paralegal Studies program was both challenging and rewarding, thanks to the unwavering support from the faculty. 

Throughout her time at SCPS, Maggie has thrived in the Paralegal Studies program, achieving more than she ever expected. The rigorous coursework has pushed her to excel, and she attributes much of her success to the guidance and understanding of her instructors. She highlights that the faculty see students as "whole people," which has made it easier to manage her academic and personal challenges. Maggie’s hard work has paid off, earning her a strong GPA and admission into honor societies—accomplishments that have paved the way for her next big step: law school. She recently applied to several part-time programs, including Loyola's, and is eager to continue her journey in the legal field. 

In addition to her studies, Maggie has taken on the role of SCPS ambassador, motivated by a desire to support others who, like her, may have been apprehensive about returning to school. She believes her experiences as a single mother and a non-traditional student provide valuable perspective, and she is eager to be a resource for those in similar situations. 

“The reason that I wanted to become an ambassador is because I think it’s nice to have support from someone who has been through it and who has already done it. It's great to have a person who is in a similar situation to you, and I'm happy to reach out and be that person and support for someone else.” 

She advises others considering returning to school that when things feel overwhelming, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and lean on the support that’s available.  

“When you’re overwhelmed, I think it's just like a matter of taking a minute and looking back at all the things you’ve already done. Instructors really see you as a whole person, and there’s always a way to move forward.”