Finish Line - Students Speak!

See what Finish Line students are saying about their experience with the Finish Line program.

"I'm very thankful for the Finish Line program. I was able to return to school and complete my degree in a shorter time since the program removed some of the financial barriers. I wish I had known about it sooner. [Having a bachelor's degree] will allow me to apply for more lucrative opportunities within my current organization and also makes me more marketable for other jobs with other companies. Many jobs now require a bachelor's degree to qualify for consideration. [The Finish Line Scholarship] means I can show my children that no matter what happens or how long it takes, complete your degree. It will open up so many possibilities that you thought were out of reach. Thank you for investing in others so we can be positioned to invest in others." - Krizia S., Spring 2022 graduate   


"I’m 59 years old, started college in 1980 and never finished. Earned hours to be classified as a senior, but never could have or would have finished if it weren’t for U of M Finish Line and the advising I received from Hannah and the team there. I am over the moon happy that U of M has allowed me the opportunity to finally be a college graduate. [Having a bachelor's degree] will give me confidence that I have reached a lifelong personal goal that I actually didn’t think would happen until I reached out to U of M. Everyone was helpful and so encouraging." - Sandra P., Spring 2022 graduate


"For me, this program gave a very busy working adult and mother a more successful path to a degree. I am a police detective for Memphis and work 10 plus hours daily. I still at times struggled, but I have made it though. I also showed my now 11 year old son that giving up is not an option. The timing of things is not always in our hands, but God's, and this program is proof. - Jessica L., Spring 2022 graduate


"Finish Line got me to a degree! My advisor helped me create a plan that was easy to stick to and made it seem way more doable and less overwhelming. It made me feel like my dreams of graduating were possible."  - Abigail Bringle, Spring 2021 graduate 


"I now have the opportunity to do something with my life and I have been given the opportunity to be a teacher and earn a higher salary. I am so grateful, and this would not be possible without the Finish Line program."  - JaVunya Hodge, Spring 2021 graduate


"The Finish Line program has changed my life forever! I always wanted to be a college graduate and you all made it possible even when I thought I wanted to give up. I am forever grateful." - Natarsha Brewer, Spring 2021 graduate

Pamela - Spring 2020 graduate

Fred - Spring 2019 graduate

 Diane - Fall 2019 graduate

"Without the help of the Finish Line program, I would not have been able to obtain my degree.  The advisors in the Finish Line program were always prompt with communication and willing to provide helpful resources during my degree completion experience. I appreciate the Finish Line program staff for the encouragement I needed to succeed." - Lakeshia Coman, Spring 2020 graduate

"My advice to students incoming and to those beginning again, is to never give up. Keep pushing and trying until you just can’t anymore. When life happens and you have to take a step back, breathe and know that programs like Finish Line will see you to the finish." - Tiffany Howlett, Spring 2019 graduate

"Getting a job interview is much easier now. I hadn't worked in years. I was a stay at home mom for 14.5 years before I enrolled in Finish Line. No one was trying to hire or interview me before I graduated. I'm so excited! Thinking about getting a Master's degree is no longer a thought. I'm about to make it happen. That Doctorate degree isn't too far away either." - Sharon Green

"I started at the University of Memphis when I was in the middle of my career as a professional firefighter in Charleston, SC. Several years and one 3 year-old later, when I graduate in May I will have been a professional Fire Captain for four years. I am the only female captain in my department. The U of M has prepared me for success, which will only continue until retirement. Earning my bachelor's degree has further inspired me to move on to graduate school." - Sarah Bootle

"Finish Line provided the flexibility I needed to keep my job while continuing my education. The program has been a true blessing. My journey has been 10 years in the making, striving to find a way to complete my undergraduate degree. I also had an amazing advisor who was with me every step of the way. I can proudly say that I am a college graduate!" – Kimberly

"I feel grateful to finally have the diploma that I worked so hard to achieve many years ago. It was awesome to see my kids in the crowd at graduation. They now know that it is never too late to achieve your goals. The people at the Finish Line program were instrumental in making my dreams of graduation a reality. They made the whole process very simple and for that I am truly grateful. The program is a wonderful addition to the University of Memphis." – John

"The Finish Line program was a lifesaver. Now that I have completed my bachelor's degree, I feel a new confidence." – Brian 

"The thought of going back to school while working and raising a family would not have been possible had it not been for the Finish Line program. I have now obtained the college degree that all of my friends and peers have. I succeeded, it just took a little longer!" – Stuart

"Finish Line has been a true blessing. The program allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming the first person in my family to complete my bachelor's degree." – Kendra