Some people spend decades searching for their calling. For Marie E. Jones, that moment of clarity came at age 50, after years of working in communications and media without the formal education to match her talent. "At 50, I finally knew Communications and Media was what I wanted to study," Marie reflects on her decision to return to school and pursue her bachelor's degree at National Louis University.

Marie's educational journey began in 1989 with an associate's degree in Hotel Management. But when she discovered the program wasn't accredited, her plans for a four-year degree hit an unexpected roadblock. After a year at Columbia College Chicago, she entered the workforce, where her real education in communications would begin. Working as a Media Coordinator at Starcom Worldwide, Marie created contracts for major companies like Disney. But it was her role at JUF News (now Jewish Chicago) that opened her eyes to what she truly loved. "Given the opportunity to grow showed me how much I loved storytelling and strategy," she says.

When Marie decided to complete her bachelor's degree, NLU's Chicago campus location was ideal—conveniently close to her office. But more than convenience, the Communications program aligned perfectly with her professional goals and life experience. "I was also looking to having a classroom experience after being out of school for a very long time," Marie explains. That classroom experience would prove transformative, even when circumstances forced it online.

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Marie began her studies in Fall 2019, excited for in-person learning. By Winter 2020, the pandemic had shifted everything online. To compound the challenge, she relocated to Arizona during this time. "The experience helped me focus, rebuild my study habits, and ultimately earn honors," Marie says. Her determination paid off with induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success and Tau Omega, NLU's honor roll for transfer students.

Marie describes the NLU faculty as "amazing," but one professor stands out: Dr. Elizabeth Schaefer. "Dr. Schaefer saw potential in me that I hadn't recognized myself," Marie recalls. "She gave me the opportunity to write for NLU's Communications Quarterly twice!" Those assignments weren't just routine student work. Marie interviewed an NPR foreign correspondent and legendary journalist Bill Kurtis. The experiences earned her an award for excellence in research and interviewing and opened doors to freelance journalism—a path she continues to explore today.

As an administrative professional for over 30 years, Marie has always used communication and marketing skills in her work. But her NLU education gave her something more: confidence. "The communications and marketing courses at NLU helped me gain the confidence to create compelling content, write and edit effectively, and understand branding and design," she says. These skills have transformed how she approaches both her professional work and creative projects, including a cross-campus newsletter at her college.

Marie completed her degree in April 2025 with a major in Communications and Media and a minor in Marketing. But graduation isn't the end of her story—it's the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Her ultimate goal is to start a media and production company with her husband, who is a DJ and music producer. "Together, I hope to blend our creative talents to tell meaningful stories through music and media," she says.

When asked to describe NLU in one word, Marie doesn't hesitate: "Motivational!" "Every faculty member I encountered at NLU encouraged me to push myself and be the best version of me," she explains. "Even when retaking basic courses, I always felt supported and inspired to keep going. And not to overthink it!"

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For students considering NLU, Marie's message is simple but powerful: "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your professors truly want you to succeed. NLU offers a supportive environment that helps you rediscover your confidence as a student and as a professional."

Marie's journey from a 1989 associate's degree to a 2025 bachelor's degree—spanning careers in hotel management, media coordination, and journalism—proves that education is never wasted and it's never too late to follow your passion. With her degree complete and her dreams ahead of her, Marie E. Jones is proof that the best stories are the ones we write for ourselves.