Amanda Gibson tried a few colleges and career paths before finding her fit at Colorado State University in the online early childhood education program.

She pursued history in Florida, physical therapy in New Mexico and EMT certification in between, but realized that none of it was her calling. Thirteen years later, Gibson has found her passion in the classroom and a rewarding career. 

“I did not take school seriously the first few times around,” Gibson said, adding that she put too much pressure on finding her passion right away. “I let that stress me out to the point of giving up on school for a bit.” 

Gibson has come a long way since then, according to her Human Development and Family Studies instructors, eight of whom nominated her as an Outstanding Grad for her dedication, professionalism and academic achievement. 

“I know Amanda will use her HDFS degree to make an impact in her community,” Julie Taylor-Massey, master instructor and co-coordinator of HDFS online programs, wrote in her nomination. “I am proud to have Amanda represent our program as she launches from CSU.” 

Gibson graduates this spring at the top of her class and has accepted a full-time position at the Aspen Center for Child Development, where she interned as part of the online program. 

“Online learning is not for everyone, and I had to learn a lot of discipline, but it helped me gain my degree and live where I choose to live,” said Gibson, who lives in Longmont. 

She added that maturity has made all the difference this time around, and her internship as an educator has shown her that her goals are possible.  

“Getting my degree felt like the biggest uphill climb, and seeing the finish line has made it all worth it,” Gibson said.