43-year-old Annette Sanders is a Medical Claims Analyst, and she’s enjoying her work – for the first time in her life! Four years ago, she was working temp jobs with nothing permanent in sight. She knew she needed a fresh start. Her daughters as well as her family and friends urged her to go to college and earn a degree, but Annette was nervous: “I was afraid because it had been so long since I finished high school.” Despite her doubts, Annette enrolled at Wake Tech; around the same time, she found full-time work. With most of her classes online, she was able to continue her studies while managing a 40-hour work week and taking care of her youngest daughter.

It took four years of hard work and dedication, but Annette reached her goal. She graduated from Wake Tech in May 2015 with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Annette says she had a lot of help along the way: “The advisors, faculty, and others at Wake Tech are awesome! They encouraged me to work hard and not give up. It took me a little longer, but with their support I made it!” 

Annette is making a name for herself at work – she’s been promoted twice since being hired four years ago! She’s also making plans for her future. She says she wants to open her own business and may even pursue a Master’s degree. “I was so afraid to take a leap of faith and better my life. Now, I feel like I can accomplish anything! Wake Tech gave me the jump start I needed!”