For Aalaysia Wilson, going back to school was about more than earning a degree. It was about showing her daughters what is possible.
“I wanted my girls to see me graduate,” she says.
Balancing a full time job, parenting, and mental health was not easy. Some days, even logging in felt like a challenge. Still, Aalaysia kept going, driven by the example she wanted to set for her children.
Before joining Future Forward CT, finding the time and energy for school felt overwhelming. Life was already full, and adding coursework on top of everything else required real determination.
Future Forward CT gave her the structure and support she needed to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.
“It was a lot between work, my girls, and everything else,” she explains. “But the support made a difference.”
Through the program, Aalaysia strengthened skills she uses daily in her career, including professional writing, public speaking, leadership, research, and problem solving. She learned how to approach real world challenges with confidence and clarity.
These skills have helped her grow professionally and see herself as a leader in her organization.
One of Aalaysia’s proudest moments was walking across the stage.
“I was so nervous,” she says. “I just wanted my kids to think I was cool. Knowing they were watching meant everything.”
That moment marked more than a milestone. It confirmed that her effort, persistence, and courage mattered.
Earning her degree has strengthened Aalaysia’s confidence and opened new opportunities. She is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree and actively leveraging her education to move into higher paying roles.
“If I can do this, my kids will see it as normal,” she says. “They will know this path is possible.”
Aalaysia keeps it simple for anyone considering Future Forward CT.
“Do it,” she says. “The advisors really have your back. As long as you show up, they are there for you.”
She credits her advisors for supporting her from day one and helping her stay grounded throughout the journey.
Aalaysia’s story is proof that showing up matters, and that sometimes the biggest motivation is who is watching you succeed.
