Cayla Begley, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, found inspiration to return to school while working in the restaurant business in Denver. Encouraged by coworkers and others, she decided to pursue her associate’s degree at the Community College of Denver as an adult learner. After completing her associate’s degree, Begley knew she wanted to continue her education and earn her bachelor’s degree. She chose Colorado State University because of the strong human resource management major offered in the College of Business.
Begley’s academic journey as a nontraditional student, starting after years of life experience, is a testament to the transformative power of education. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who seek to embrace new challenges and unlock their full potential. Despite being unsure of her post-graduation plans, Begley is determined to dive headfirst into a professional position and is considering pursuing a master’s degree in the future.
Lorie Humphrey, who nominated Begley as an outstanding graduate, commended her on her dedication to her studies and personal growth. Humphrey highlighted Begley’s achievement in passing the SHRM-CP exam and her role as a mock interview specialist, noting that her contributions have enriched her peers and showcased her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond.