Health Education and Human Sciences | StudentsApril 29, 2025

No Regrets: A Return to School Proves It's Never Too Late

Written By: Ian Silvester

On the cusp of graduation, a degree in dental hygiene means more to Bronwen Henderson than just taking the next step in her career. For Bronwen, it’s about proving to herself and her teenage daughter that goals can be achieved no matter where or when you start or what obstacles you may face.

After more than two decades as a dental assistant, Bronwen felt she had reached a ceiling in her career.

Balancing life as a full-time mom to a high school freshman, a wife, and a dental assistant became increasingly difficult. She knew it was time for a leap of faith.

“I had to do something. I was getting bored and that’s not a good thing,” Bronwen recalled. “One night at 11 o’clock, I was sitting there on the computer and was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to apply to UAFS,’ and two days later, I got the acceptance.”

Bronwen had a head start when she entered the dental hygiene program. Her experience gave her a firm grasp of the vocabulary and concepts introduced during the first semester, but “by the second semester, we were all on the same level,” she said. As the semester progressed, she quickly realized she would need extra support as she transitioned back into academic life while completing her prerequisites.

An email from a professor directed Bronwen to seek out the Academic Success Center (ASC) for resources, including tutoring, academic coaching, and test practice.

Following that advice, she visited the ASC. Bronwen joked that she doesn’t remember how they connected, but found herself linked to Derek Hill, an academic coach, who changed her trajectory.

When asked who had the most significant impact on helping her find her footing again, she answered without hesitation, “Derek, end of story, period.”

Hill helped Bronwen strengthen her study habits as she navigated new course material. He also connected her with a tutor for electives and provided support as she voiced her struggles and laughed about having to ask her daughter for computer help.

“Bronwen is one of the most determined students I have ever coached,” Hill said. “She was aware of the challenges she faced as a non-traditional student, but those challenges never deterred her from chasing her dreams. It didn’t take long for me to know that she would do this and be very successful.”

“Challenge means growth,” she explained. “I wanted to come into this feeling like I’ve left everything on the table. I wanted to do absolutely the best I could do and didn’t want to have any regrets.”

She’s done just that.

Despite a near 100-mile round-trip commute and long nights of homework, she has persevered for the last three and a half years in pursuit of her degree.

Along the way, her community of support grew to include a few new close friends. She carpooled with another dental hygiene student from Washington County and formed a strong bond that she is sure will carry on. She also noted that it was nice to have another classmate who is a mother to share the common challenges they faced while balancing life outside the classroom.

In just a few weeks, Bronwen will see her efforts pay off. Less than a week after she walks across the stage at the Stubblefield Center, Bronwen’s daughter will graduate from Haas Hall Academy.

“My daughter and I are extremely close, so it’s exciting,” she grinned. “We’re doing cap and gown pictures together, and we’re going to be cheese balls.”

“I would not change a single bit of my journey because I would not be the person I am today,” she said. “I truly, truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be at this point in time.”

• Tags:
• UAFS Graduation
• Non-Traditional Student
• College of Health Education and Human Sciences
• Dental Hygiene