This mom of six is rewriting her career by going back to school

The same year she welcomed her fifth child, Laine Bradley decided to finish something she’d started 15 years earlier: her bachelor’s degree.

Bradley first started college in 2008, as an 18-year-old freshman at Morgan State University. She dropped out because of a problem with her financial aid.

“From there, I just felt like maybe a college degree or higher education wasn't for me,” she said. “I just went into the workforce, and I focused on building a family and being a mom.”

Bradley had jobs in healthcare, banking, sales, and other industries. Eventually, she became a grant writer, helping non-profit organizations apply for government grants.

In 2024, a conversation with a friend helped convince her to return to school. “You're gonna get older regardless,” the friend told her. “So you might as well just go after what you want.”

That fall, Bradley started taking online and virtual classes through Southern New Hampshire University. Now a mom of six, Bradley said she’s on track to graduate at the end of 2027, pursue an MBA, and eventually, law school.

In the meantime, she’s taken a step back on paid work. “It's not possible for me to work a nine-to-five and go to school full-time,” Bradley said.

While she does take contract jobs, she said her primary focus is school. “The goal is to graduate, pass the bar, open up my own firm, and be able to help the community,” she said.

To hear her story, use the audio player.