Making College a Priority- Gretchen Rauls
It’s never too late to pursue your passion. Gretchen Rauls, of Fond du Lac, decided in 2018, nearly 22 years after graduating from high school, that it was time she fulfills her career aspirations.
“After high school, I earned a technical diploma at Moraine Park,” she said. “I then started working, got married, and began a family.”
Gretchen found employment that helped to sustain her family, but knew she wanted to have a career she could be passionate about.
“In 2016, I participated in a wellness initiative at my work called Remodel Your Lifestyle,” she said. “It was through that experience I discovered the value of health and that I want to share it with others.”
She enrolled in the Health and Wellness program at Moraine Park in fall 2018. Her decision to enroll in school wasn’t an easy one. It required commitment from her entire family to ensure her success.
“I still had to maintain full-time employment, do my homework and be present for my family,” Gretchen said. “Finding the time and prioritizing can be hard, but I am lucky to have support around me.”
Gretchen’s hard work, dedication, and support from her husband and two teenage daughters were all key factors in her continued success at the College. To date, she is a 4.0 student on the Dean’s List, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has never had a late assignment.
Gretchen will graduate in May 2020 with her entire family cheering her on.
“Since day one, I’ve never had any doubts about coming to Moraine Park,” she said. “Going back to school can be hard, but the support from instructors and staff at the College helps to make it manageable.”
Her goal is to own a health and wellness business on her grandmother’s farm in Berlin.
“I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned and finding a passion for the work that I do every day.”
