Adriann Bautista’s journey after graduating high school began at Thomas Jefferson University. However, her journey was forced to take a pivot due to her life circumstances at the time.

She was caring for her mother as she battled cancer; dealing with a separation; caring for her two children; and starting a new job.

But through all the life changes, Bautista was determined to finish her education.

She learned about Peirce College from her former employer, and thought it might be a great fit due to its course flexibility, small classes, and the focus on adult learners.

In 2017, Bautista enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program, with a concentration in Leadership, and a certificate in Client Services. In 2022, she graduated as a member of Delta Mu Delta and was one of the student commencement speakers for the Class of 2022.

After graduating, she enrolled in the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management program at Peirce. She enrolled in the program because it directly aligns with the goals she has for her career. 

“I have been in grant administration for more than 25 years and I am interested in going further as a leader and providing training for leaders in my field,” she said. 

As a current master’s degree student, she describes her experience as rewarding and exciting.

“My participation in this program at Peirce is confirmation that I am headed in the correct direction for my future endeavors,” she said. “I have already been able to connect and implement some leadership principles at my current organization that I have learned from classes.” 

Her late parents were an inspiration for her to complete her undergraduate degree, which she dedicated to their memory. 

“My parents only finished middle school but encouraged us to pursue our education. They always taught us that we could have whatever we put our mind to,” Bautista said.

Her children provide her another source of inspiration and support. 

“Whenever I feel tired or under-motivated, they continue to remind me to keep pushing,“ she said. “I want them to always see me continuing to move forward no matter what and believe that they can have what they also set their minds on.”

Since beginning her journey at Peirce, Bautista has felt a genuine sense of belonging, and experienced success that has helped give her the confidence to make her believe she can succeed in any class.

Currently, a remote grant administrator for the Moses/Weitzman Institute through Community Health Inc., she plans to use her degrees to pursue further leadership opportunities at her current organization. She also hopes to develop a leadership training program utilizing the theory and practice of emotional intelligence for faith-based organizations.

Bautista has this key piece of advice for her fellow Peirce students and the working adults considering going back to school: “STAY FOCUSED.” “Your “why” is uniquely yours so find it and keep it and know that you can do anything that you set your mind to do. FINISH WHAT YOU START AND FINISH STRONG!” she said.

Read more about Adriann Bautista and her journey at Peirce College.