Returning to school as an adult is not exactly a walk in the park — and that’s a sentiment that Lisa Tysinger can easily relate to.
Tysinger, a native of Sophia in Randolph County, made the decision to enroll in the Pharmacy Technology Program at Davidson-Davie Community College during the summer of 2024 after already spending years in the pharmacy world.
A yearn to further her education — despite homeschooling her daughter and also working full-time as a pharmacy technician manager at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center — outweighed any potential obstacles.
“Working a full-time job, homeschooling and attending college courses is difficult,” Tysinger said. “I make it a priority to ensure that my daughter is receiving the education that she deserves; I want her to continue to excel in her education. But I try to put 100% into both work and school, which means very late nights for schoolwork and long days for my professional work and homeschool mother. Time management is the most difficult thing for me while I’m completing my education. I get very little sleep and downtime.”
Leigh Ann Norris, an instructor and the program director of pharmacy technology at Davidson-Davie, said that Tysinger is incredibly driven and has demonstrated an impressive ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
“Despite the demands of her work, family life and school, she manages her time exceptionally well,” Norris said.
Jasmine Hargrave, director of Reconnect and Success at Davidson-Davie, said that adult learners often face many challenges similar to Tysinger’s.
“Time management — balancing school, work and family responsibilities — can be overwhelming, causing education to take a backseat to other priorities,” Hargrave said. “Additionally, adult learners may struggle to afford tuition while managing personal expenses, making it difficult to focus on their studies. Those expenses also include things like finding affordable and available childcare, a common issue that limits their ability to attend class.”
Hargrave said that many adult learners return to campus after years in the workforce for career advancement, additional credentials or even a career change.
“Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement programs and workplace partnerships, encouraging employees to further their education,” Hargrave said.
For Tysinger, furthering her career outweighs any obstacle she may face, and she remains dedicated and consistent in her studies, Norris said, adding that she contributes valuable real-world experience to class discussions and serves as an inspiration to her peers. In fact, Tysinger said she engages in community programs, sharing her experience and education with young learners — proving that no matter what route is taken, length of time or how difficult the path, “the destination is possible, achievable and rewarding.”
“By pursuing this degree, Lisa is setting an example that continuing education and career advancement are possible, even with a busy lifestyle,” Norris added. “I have no doubt that she will graduate and take the next step on her career ladder.”
Tysinger will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology, and she hopes later to earn her advanced certified pharmacy technology credential.
“I have taken a different path than a lot of other students have,” she said. “I started my family and career young and did not pursue my education at that time. With encouragement from my family and coworkers, I made the decision to return to college to obtain my degree. I want to be an example to my daughter, younger teammates and adults as well. Nothing is impossible and it’s never too late. If you put your mind to achieving your goal, you can and will succeed.”
