Susan Wallendorf
Susan came to UBalt after a long hiatus in her education. After earning her bachelor's degree, she is now pursuing a master's in Criminal Justice.
Susan Wallendorf did the work she needed to help get her kids through private schools and then college. When they graduated, it was her turn.
"This was an opportunity to do something for myself," she says.
Susan knew she would have to finish her undergraduate studies before she could pursue the master's degree she really wanted, and fear of returning to the classroom after a long break made her hesitate.
"It was kind of scary to come back at 49, after having a family, and I got the kind of support that I needed in order to feel like I could be successful," she says.
After learning more about The University of Baltimore, particularly its services for students, Susan felt comfortable with her decision. She initially enrolled to pursue a B.S. in Human Services Administration.
"I really wanted to focus my expertise in case management," Susan says. "The program is unique because it lies kind of in the heart of a city that is rich with all kinds of current issues that are brought within the context of the classroom."
Being in a city like Baltimore, but also at a college diverse in experience and age like UBalt each added value to classroom lectures.
"The University of Baltimore is like the perfect playground for me to feel at home. In the context of the classroom, you can hear a real-life experience. The population ranges from the young to people that are peers, contemporaries, people that are my age, sometimes older."
After earning her bachelor's degree, Susan stayed at UBalt to pursue an M.S. in Criminal Justice.
"When you reach the second half of your life, it's not about how you're providing for your family," she says. "It kind of moves into what can I do that's going to make a difference?"