"I wanted to be a role model for [my daughter] and prove that the impossible can be accomplished if you just try."

- Courtney Kuentz (Pictured with her father)
  Pursuing an MS in management
  Earned a BA in human resource management
  
  

MyUMUC Story:

Courtney Kuentz

By Julie S. Epstein

A few years ago, Courtney Kuentz didn't imagine she would finish her bachelor's degree, much less embark on a master's program.  After attending a small college in Ohio for a year and half, she transferred to University of Maryland to be near family.  The new campus, with 20 times more students than her first college, proved a bit overwhelming. So she dropped out for two years.

"I was basically floundering," said Kuentz. "I wasn't thinking about the future."  But then she became pregnant with her first daughter. 

Kuentz had experience as a tanning salon manager, but knew she would need a degree to earn a competitive salary. With her daughter as her inspiration, she enrolled in UMUC's flexible evening classes at the university’s Shady Grove campus.

"I decided to go back to school, not only for myself but for my child too," said Kuentz. "I wanted to be a role model for her and prove that the impossible can be accomplished if you just try."  Kuentz said she enjoyed studying alongside other adults with families and responsibilities outside of school. She also enrolled in a few online classes. Instructor Sabrina Marschall served as a mentor to help Kuentz discover her focus—human resource management.

Two and a half years later, after many long hours of study and paper writing, Kuentz donned a cap and gown for UMUC's 2006 Adelphi commencement. She crossed the stage to accept her BS in human resources before family and peers. But the most meaningful part of her day had yet to occur. 

"The most emotional moment came when I went outside and I saw my grandfather was crying," she recalled.  "He was so overwhelmed with pride. He knew how hard I had worked to get to that day."

With her degree, Kuentz landed a human resources job in the Virginia office of a global company. Her education has been a boost to her career. "My supervisor tells me I'm a real 'value-add' to the firm," Kuentz said, "and he truly respects my opinions and suggestions."

Kuentz is now pursuing the human resources management track in UMUC's MS in management program. She plans to complete the program in a year and a half.  Her UMUC coursework will prepare her for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) examination.  She is also interested in becoming a member of UMUC's Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Chapter. 

Kuentz is enthusiastic about her experience at UMUC and her future.
"It's never too late to go to school," she said.  "You can be 60 and earn your degree. If you put your heart into it, there is no reason you can't be successful." 

This year Kuentz welcomes her second daughter.  Her future career plans? She has set her sights on becoming the VP of Human Resources for a large company. With her positive attitude, focus, and dedication, for Courtney Kuentz, the sky is the limit.