Kim Gende

“In 2007, I was talking with my mother about my frustration of not being able to apply for jobs that I was prepared for and that interested me simply because of my education. My mother suggested I pursue a college degree. With a knot in my stomach, I contacted Bay Path College and scheduled an appointment to explore my options, and I learned of the One-Day-A-Week Saturday College. I was beyond my comfort zone, but my ultimate drive and inspiration came from my four children and the example I was setting for them.

In November 2007, I began my first two classes in the One-Day program. That morning, I was nervous to say the least, but before I knew it, it was six weeks later and I completed my first session of classes. I had finished the courses with the most amazing reward—my very first A’s in English and government. Today, I am proud to say I have made the Dean’s List every semester, and I was recently inducted into PsiChi, the National Honor Society of Psychology.

The words “never” and “cannot” are no longer a part of my vocabulary. I possess a confidence now that still takes my breath away, especially when I reflect back on who I use to be. I hold my head higher and stand taller because of my experiences at Bay Path.

- Kim often shares her story with prospective One-Day students at the Central Mass Campus in hopes that it will encourage and inspire women to pursue a higher education.