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Higher education is no longer a one-size-fits-all experience. Today’s students are balancing careers, raising families, changing professions, and pursuing personal goals, often all at the same time. In fact, nearly one in four undergraduate students in the U.S. is over the age of 25, and many are managing work and family responsibilities alongside their education.
Flexible learning has become an essential pathway for these learners. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 61% of undergraduate students were enrolled in at least one distance education course in 2021, highlighting the growing demand for learning options that fit into busy lives.
For City University of Seattle student Meaghan, flexibility made it possible to continue pursuing a career she loves while remaining present for her family.
A Passion for Teaching
“I am a 42-year-old mom who has been substitute teaching with a temporary certificate for seven years,” Meaghan shares. “I LOVE what I do, so I decided to seek information about how to get my master’s and teaching certificate together and was led to CityU.”
Today, Meaghan is pursuing her Master of Education while earning her teaching certificate, a path she discovered after being referred by her school district’s HR department. Her story reflects a growing trend among adult learners who are seeking education that aligns with their professional aspirations while accommodating the realities of everyday life.
Making School a Family Affair
For many students, flexibility means the ability to learn without putting life on hold. For Meaghan, it has created opportunities to involve her children directly in her educational journey.
“As a mom, I try to incorporate my kids into my school or do my work with them so that we are all in the same room doing our separate work, but in the same space,” she says. “My 13-year-old son and I do homework next to each other, which is fun for both of us.”
Her coursework even became a learning experience for her younger son.
“I have also incorporated my 9-year-old by doing my lessons with him as my student. I chose third-grade math for an assignment because he was going into third grade and did the lesson with him while recording his responses and my teaching.”
What might otherwise have been competing demands on her time became an opportunity to learn together.
Learning From Expereince
Meaghan says one of the most rewarding aspects of her CityU experience has been the collaborative learning environment.
“The staff instructs us, but also draws on our experiences as staff within different school districts.” This approach reflects the value that adult learners bring to higher education. Students enter the classroom with years of professional and life experience, creating richer discussions and opportunities to learn from one another.
Creating Space for Success
When asked about her favorite study spot, Meaghan doesn’t hesitate. “Home! I set up my own study corner.”
It’s a simple answer, but one that underscores the importance of flexibility. Whether students are studying from home after work, between family commitments, or during a lunch break, access to coursework when and where it works best can make all the difference.
Advice for Future Students
For those considering a return to school, Meaghan encourages prospective students to seek guidance from people working in their field of interest.
“Talk to people in the profession, find people who are passionate about the work and seek their advice and ideas.” It’s advice rooted in her own experience and one that helped lead her to CityU.
Education Built Around Real Life
Flexible learning isn’t just about convenience. It’s about creating access for students with different backgrounds, responsibilities, and goals. Whether it’s a parent pursuing a new credential, a working professional advancing their career, or an aspiring teacher taking the next step toward certification, today’s learners need educational pathways that adapt to their lives.
Meaghan’s journey demonstrates what’s possible when education meets students where they are. Through flexible learning, she’s pursuing her passion for teaching, advancing her career, and sharing the experience with the people who matter most: her family.
At City University of Seattle, that’s exactly what student-centered learning is all about.
