It's been great for my stepkids to see me study and to be an example to them that not only can you achieve your dreams but it's never too late to go for it.

I've been extremely lucky in the support I have received over the years from my now husband, Ted. I was always a go-getter in my career and moved around the country in an effort to climb up the ladder, but still something was missing. The ladder I had been striving to climb wasn't offering new rungs to reach.

After relocating back to California to finally focus on my needs and my relationship with Ted instead of only the needs of my employer, I opened up about my desire to go to law school. Ted encouraged me to go back to school and said that no matter what, we'd figure out how to do it together. I did extensive research and found that although challenging, I could complete my legal degree online in California and it would simply take an extra year and an extra state test. I'm still working full-time in my current job and am now a wife and a stepmom, as of two weeks ago.

I chose to lean in and improve my credentials and wouldn't have been able to do it without the full support and encouragement of my husband. Our family knows my class schedule and what it means for me to have homework and need study time. It's been great for my stepkids to see me study and to be an example to them that not only can you achieve your dreams but it's never too late to go for it.

We hope to expand our family and I'll continue with my studies and work during that time. I want to find the passion in my everyday job that I have when I study, and only I can do that for myself.