One email can change everything — just ask Rachel Ramsay, a Knoxville native and graduating senior in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business’ Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program.
In August 2024, Ramsay was preparing to begin the fall semester, eager to continue her academic journey. At the same time, she was navigating a challenging transition that required her and her two young children to relocate. Starting over, she secured a new apartment, took a job as a server and balanced work, parenthood and school, all while facing ongoing financial uncertainty. Then, just two days before classes began, Ramsay received an unexpected email: She had been awarded the Moll Anderson Scholarship, a Haslam fund supporting single mothers in higher education.
It was a lifeline and a turning point. “That scholarship gave me the freedom to take classes and care for my children without extra stress,” she says.
The perfectly timed message is just one example of how Ramsay has steadily pushed forward through challenges, finding her way even when the journey didn’t follow a traditional path or timeline.
Redefining the Path
Ramsay graduated from high school in 2012 and initially took the conventional college route, but the experience wasn’t a good fit at the time.
“I struggled as a student,” she admits. “I dropped out. I tried going back a few times, but it just didn’t stick.”
At 21, Ramsay had her first child, describing it as a wakeup call that pushed her to return to school to ensure a good life for her daughter.
“I told myself I’d go back to school when my daughter started pre-k,” she recalls.
Staying true to her word, Ramsay began courses at Pellissippi State Community College in 2019. Originally studying nursing, she was accepted into the nursing program and began her first semester in 2021 but found out she was pregnant again on the day she took finals.
Uncertain of her next steps, Ramsay withdrew from the program and consulted her advisor, who introduced her to Pellissippi’s UT transfer pathway. The flexibility of the online business degree program allowed her to continue her education while working and caring for her children.
“I kept going,” she says. “I took summer classes, had my son and then went back to school the next day. I was determined.”
Learning on Her Terms
The online program proved to be the right fit for her needs. “I actually loved it,” she says. “It worked better with my lifestyle, especially with two kids. The online option is a huge blessing for nontraditional students like me.”
Ramsay’s favorite parts of the program have been the hands-on projects she’s worked on during her last year. “It’s not just studying and exams anymore, it’s real projects, like working in Excel or simulations,” she says. “I learn so much more that way, by truly applying what I’m taught.”
Making the Time Count
As she prepares to graduate, Ramsay is exploring careers in surgical device sales or pharmaceutical sales, where she can combine her business knowledge with her background in science and her social nature.
“I know I can’t do a desk job,” she quips. “I want something active.”
She isn’t counting out further education, though. Ramsay is interested in Haslam’s Online MBA program, which would allow her to continue working and raising her children while advancing her education.
Reflecting on her journey, Ramsay explains what it means to earn her bachelor’s degree as a single mother and first-generation college student.
“I’ve defied every odd,” she says. “I didn’t always make the best choices, but I’m not that person anymore. I did this for me — because I needed to prove to myself that I could — and I did it for my kids. I want them to see that no matter what, you can always choose to change your path. It’s been hard, really hard, but it was going to be 2025 no matter what, so I’m proud I made the time count.”
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Leah McAmis, senior editor, leah@utk.edu
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