Working Mom Shows What’s Possible at Nashville State

Nashville State Community College continues broadening its reach to students from all walks of life and throughout Middle Tennessee.

There are many Falcons that show getting a degree is attainable for everyone, not just those right out of high school. One of those students who showed what was possible was Shea Schroeder.

Schroeder, a Dickson County native and working mom of two, proves that there is a path to getting your degree at any stage with focus and hard work.

Starting something new often bring uncertainty, but Schroeder wanted to exemplify what anyone can do.

“I wanted something to be proud of, and I decided to go back and prove to them (her children) and myself that I could do it. And, if I can do it with everything I have going on, anyone can do it,” Schroeder said.

“I wanted to instill a sense of pride for my kids.”

Schroeder currently serves as the representative for Dickson County Tourism. Still, earlier in her career, she was a bus driver for Dickson County schools before working in the front office of the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce.

With a busy home and professional life, she said keeping a schedule and organization has been crucial in her journey as a Nashville State Falcon.

“I’m a huge calendar person, and I would prioritize my assignments and try to stay ahead of when things were due to give myself some breathing room. Setting a schedule, and sticking to it, and keeping track of those due dates,” Schroeder said.

“There was a lot of fear and self-doubt, but what has helped me has been my life experience. Once I got in my grove, I found what worked for me.”

Even with her family’s support and employer’s encouragement, the path hasn’t always been easy, but that hasn’t stopped her.

Utilizing online course options has been key for Schroeder, allowing her to keep up her non-college schedule.

“They have been really good; I love how flexible it is. There were days when I would sit in my car in the parking lot waiting on my kids to get done with practice, and I would read my chapters and do my discussion post while I waited on them,” Schroeder said.

“Online was the only way I was able to do it. The flexibility of it has been awesome for me.”

Setting an example for her kids isn’t the only motivation Schroeder had to return to college. She has a deep love for her community and wants to continue to serve it in new ways with her degree.

“I kept my why. I’m doing this to better my life, set an example for my kids, and to serve my community in a more meaningful way. When I have my degree I can use those skills,” Schroeder said.

Through all her hard work and discipline, Schroeder graduated in the spring of 2025 with a degree in business and administration. It wasn’t always easy, but with her new degree Schroeder sets an example for many to see what is possible.

Schroeder said time management and reading through the syllabus and assignments is critical for those looking to do the same.

“You have to take responsibility and ownership of time management. That’s something I’ve really tried to show my kids. Slowing down, taking a deep breath, and reading through things,” Schroeder said.

“School had to take priority. A little bit of uncomfortableness in the short time is worth it.”