Major: Psychology
Virginia Watson is a late bloomer when it comes to college, and she found exactly what she wanted at College of DuPage.
“I’ve worked 30 years as a legal secretary and was able to take no more than two classes a semester,” she said. “I knew that COD would provide me with a challenging curriculum, employ only educated and qualified professors, and maintain a strong name in the field of education.
“As a student at COD, I enjoyed the person that I became. I benefited from my peers, in-class participation, my professors, and the knowledge that I received. It was priceless. Also, I am confident that I am on the right track and will be well-equipped to pursue my new career in serving others.”
While at College of DuPage, Watson received the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and was recognized at the annual breakfast co-hosted by College of DuPage and Benedictine University.
“I applied for the scholarship with a positive attitude and detached from the outcome,” she said. “I was at the office when I received the call that I was one of the recipients. At first, I began to laugh hysterically, then I began to cry. I was so happy that after 30 years, I was finally pursuing my education and was being rewarded for my hard work.”
Watson studied psychology and while at COD was selected through Envision for a study abroad program, traveling to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Hong Kong. As a delegate in Medicine and Science, she visited various hospitals, medical centers, clinics and universities to learn how medicine is practiced in China and Hong Kong.
Although working and going to school wasn’t easy, Watson is proud of her 3.8 GPA and graduated with high honors in earning her Associate in Arts degree. She plans to enroll at DePaul University and pursue a degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences.
“At my age, I can’t wait until I get all of the alphabet soup letters behind my name before I help someone,” she said. “As George Washington Carver so eloquently wrote, ‘Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it, and never be satisfied.’ One day, I will have my Ph.D. Until then, I’m going to use my God-given talents to uplift, encourage and inspire every man, woman and child on the face of the earth!”
As a student at COD, I enjoyed the person that I became.
Virginia Watson
Watson is helping others through her own business, Universal One Café, where she offers workshops, youth mentoring and adult life coaching. She also started a YouTube channel and posts videos that encourage and inspire.
Visit Universal One Café on YouTube.
She considers College of DuPage one of the best two-year colleges in Illinois and encourages others to enroll.
“The curriculum was demanding and a challenge, but nothing in life worth having is easy,” Watson said. “You will earn every grade. By doing so, you will receive the best education and will be confident and qualified to practice the discipline that you’re working so hard to attain.
“Hold the vision and stay the course. You will reap if you do not tire out.”
Learn more about the Psychology program at College of DuPage.
Learn more about Universal One Café.