Perseverance and second chances: A student parent’s journey at BGSU Firelands

Catalina Ari is pursuing a degree through the college’s education program with hopes of becoming a teacher

By Patrick Pfanner '14

As a student at Bowling Green State University Firelands, Catalina Ari has learned to thrive amid change, challenge and second chances. As a wife and mother, she’s learned to balance family life, work and education as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher.

Originally from Lyons, Ohio, her path to higher education was anything but straightforward. After graduating high school in 2008, Ari enrolled in the education program at BGSU, but life had other plans and she had to pause her education. Despite this, Ari never let go of her goal of becoming a teacher.

“I always told myself that I would go back someday, but then life just kept moving forward and the time never seemed right,” Ari said.

Life continued, leading Ari to new experiences and responsibilities. She moved to Sandusky, Ohio, worked at Cedar Point amusement park, met her husband and started a family. Yet, the aspiration to return to school remained a persistent calling.

“When my daughter started preschool, I watched her teachers and wished that I was one of them,” Ari said, noting the time to take action came in 2023.

“I was tired of sitting on the sideline,” she said. “There would always be some reason to hold me back. I decided the time is now because ‘never’ was not an option.”

Enrolling in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education program at BGSU Firelands marked the return of her journey to pursue her dream career. But returning to college presented its own set of challenges. Balancing work, school and family life was no small feat.

“I was most afraid of losing out on time with my family, but I also did not want my grades to suffer,” she said.She sought assistance from the Teaching and Learning Center, a tutoring and student assistance service on the Huron campus. Seeking extra assistance from the center's staff, especially from its director Brigitte Green-Churchwell, proved to be pivotal.

“They gave me tools to develop my time-management skills,” Ari said. “Brigitte listened, gave advice, informed me of all the support available to students, and made me feel heard and valued.”

Green-Churchwell said the Teaching and Learning Center prides itself on supporting students during their educational journey.

"Students, in general, need to know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness or lack of pride, but demonstrates maturity and commitment to succeed," Green-Churchwell said. "The joy of working with students, like Catalina, is in their knowing they need assistance to succeed and their willingness to learn from experienced professionals in implementing the options they are provided."   

Ari also found support and inspiration from faculty members who significantly impacted her academic journey.

Dr. Trisha Prunty, her faculty advisor and the program director for the Inclusive Education program at BGSU Firelands, stood out from the crowd. Other notable faculty members on Ari’s journey so far include Clayton Chiarelott, assistant teaching professor of English; and Julie Didelot, teaching professor of sociology.

“They inspired me with their passion, opened my mind and served as my guides,” Ari said.

Prunty said Ari emphasizes the strengths and real-life experiences that post-traditional students bring to the classroom.

“Many post-traditional students believe college will be harder because they haven’t been in school for a while,” Prunty said. “However, they bring invaluable life experiences, time management skills and abilities that translate into academic success. I love having them as part of our student body. Catalina brings a distinct perspective as a working mother to our classroom. She is inspiring to her peers.”

Ari's journey is an example of the impact of personalized mentoring and support.

“Communication is essential,” Prunty said. “When students ask for assistance, mentors need to listen and care about their issues. Together, they can solve problems and find solutions. In the inclusive education program, we try to model the way we want elementary and special education teachers to approach problems when collaborating with young learners.”

Although Ari is still earning her degree, she looks forward to the time when she can inspire students of her own.

“That's the endgame,” she said of becoming a teacher with her BGSU degree. “BGSU has opened my world to new possibilities and allowed me to set an example for my children; never give up, it's never too late to go for your dream. My first semester was everything I had hoped for and more. I look forward to what the next four years have in store.”