"The time will pass anyway, so just start now." These words from Shamee Thomas capture the essence of her transformative journey at National Louis University—a journey that began with hesitation and has blossomed into confidence, creativity, and boundless possibility.

When Shamee first considered returning to higher education, the familiar barriers loomed large. Cost. Time. The overwhelming balance of work and study. Like many working adults, she had put her educational dreams on hold after high school, unsure how to navigate the demanding intersection of career and classroom.

But then she discovered something that would change everything: NLU's innovative Organizational Leadership and Development program—one of the country's first degree programs where students earn college credits from their full-time jobs.

"I'm so happy to be a part of one of the country's first degree programs where you receive college credits from your full-time job," Shamee reflects, her excitement palpable. "This has been immensely helpful to me, and I can only imagine how many people this will help in the future."

Learn More About NLU's Learn and Earn in Three Program

Since starting in January, Shamee has experienced firsthand how education can be both accessible and transformative. The online format allows her to maintain her full-time work schedule, while the accelerated structure keeps her momentum strong. But it's the immediate applicability of her learning that truly sets her experience apart.

"This degree program has helped me develop skills relevant to my current job," she explains. "I like that it's applicable to different industries and inspires me to explore different career options for the future."

The real magic happens in those moments when classroom theory meets workplace reality. Recently, when Shamee took on a new project at work, she found herself both excited and overwhelmed—a familiar feeling for anyone navigating professional growth. But unlike before, she had a secret weapon: professional coaching through her NLU program.

"I was able to meet with my coach and discuss different strategies to apply what I've learned and manage my new responsibilities better," she shares. "This has led to a lot more confidence and comfortability in my role!"

That coach, Monica Montgomery, represents more than just academic support—she embodies NLU's commitment to nurturing the whole person. In their weekly sessions, Shamee doesn't just discuss coursework; she explores real solutions for real challenges, building workflows that make her professional life more manageable while expanding her capabilities.

This personal attention and practical support have shifted Shamee's entire perspective on what higher education can be. "I used to believe that higher education puts you into a box where you'll be restricted to a specific industry," she admits. "But as I continue my journey with this school, I realize that it can lead to so many other opportunities for building community, support and the career that you want."

Learn More About NLU's B.S. in Organizational Leadership

While Shamee doesn't have a specific role mapped out yet, her vision is crystal clear: she wants to be in a leadership position within an organization that celebrates creativity. "I am a very creative person outside of my role," she notes, and her confidence in achieving this goal is unwavering. "I'm very confident that I can do that once this degree program ends."

That confidence didn't appear overnight. It's been carefully cultivated through NLU's innovative approach to education—an approach that recognizes that today's learners need flexibility, support, and real-world application. The program's structure acknowledges that great leaders aren't just born in traditional classrooms; they're developed through the integration of work, study, and personal growth.

For Shamee, choosing one word to describe National Louis University is easy: "Innovative." It's innovation that broke down the barriers that once held her back. It's innovation that allows her to earn credits for the work she's already doing excellently. And it's innovation that's preparing her for a future filled with creative leadership opportunities.

To students considering NLU, Shamee's message is both simple and profound: "The time will pass anyway, so just start now." It's advice born from experience—from someone who knows what it feels like to let fear and logistics delay dreams, and who has discovered that the right program can transform obstacles into stepping stones.

As Shamee continues her journey toward graduation, she's not just earning a degree in Organizational Leadership and Development. She's proving that education at its best doesn't just fill minds with knowledge—it transforms perspectives, builds confidence, and opens doors to futures we never thought possible.

The time is indeed passing. And Shamee Thomas is exactly where she needs to be, growing stronger and more confident with each passing week, ready to step into the creative leadership role she's always envisioned for herself.