For Shayla Shuler ’25 – a full-time 911 operator, dedicated mother and lifelong learner – returning to school wasn’t about checking a box; it was about proving to herself that she could do more and showing her daughter what determination looks like in real time.
“I decided to just go for it,” she said. “I was sitting at work one day and was thinking, ‘I need to finish my degree.’ I’m ready for a change in my career, and I knew completing my degree would give me the leverage I need to compete in today’s job market.”
After more than 20 years in public safety, Shuler felt ready to pivot into a new field where she could continue helping people. That’s when she discovered SUNY Oswego’s flexible integrative professional studies (IPS) program, where she could customize her degree to fit the future she envisioned.
“I was sitting at work one day and was thinking, ‘I need to finish my degree.’ I’m ready for a change in my career, and I knew completing my degree would give me the leverage I need to compete in today’s job market.”
As an adult learner balancing schoolwork, a full-time job and supporting her 11-year-old daughter, flexibility mattered. Being able to take courses entirely online was her top requirement, and Oswego delivered. But she soon found that what truly made the experience work was the people behind the program.
“I am grateful that my paths crossed with my advisor, Karen Archibee, and my professor, Sandra Bargainnier, ” she shared. “These two ladies have been so welcoming and helpful. They are very knowledgeable in their areas and encouraging.”
Like many nontraditional students, Shuler wondered whether it was the right time to pursue her degree. But she found her confidence in a simple mantra: “I encouraged myself and kept saying ‘I can do this!’” Her determination paid off; she’s excelling academically, and her biggest supporters notice.
“My daughter and family are proud of me. They are very supportive, and my biggest encouragers,” she said. “I’m proud of myself. I have amazed myself in how much I’m juggling and still managing to do well in my courses.”
As she progressed, Shuler strategically selected courses in leadership, negotiation and wellness, helping her translate years of crisis communication and teamwork in emergency response into new professional goals. That path is now guiding her toward a future career in human resources.
With faculty who respond quickly, offer helpful feedback and encourage her every step, Shuler has built a strong support system, even from nearly two hours away in Rochester.
“When I hear ‘education built around you,’ I think of flexibility and personalization,” she said. “SUNY Oswego really allowed me to build an education that fits my life, as a mom, a full-time 911 operator and adult learner returning to finish my degree.”
What she loves most is how the IPS program helped her recognize the value she already brings to the table. “The IPS program helped me to see I have more to offer than just my public safety background; it allowed me to align my skills and connect them to new opportunities,” she said. “Oswego made me feel seen, like my experience mattered.”
For Shuler, earning a degree isn’t about age or timing; it’s about believing in yourself long enough to finish what you started and demonstrating how far determination can take you. More than anything, she appreciates that the journey has helped her recognize her own growth and potential.
“SUNY Oswego really allowed me to build an education that fits my life, as a mom, a full-time 911 operator and adult learner returning to finish my degree.”
Shuler’s success shows what’s possible when determination meets flexibility. Visit our adult learners webpage if you're interested in learning how SUNY Oswego could be a good fit for you.
-Written by Cristina Kaplan Class of 2026
