For Julia Duke ’15 it hasn’t been an ordinary journey toward achieving a bachelor of business administration degree. But it’s been a journey that demonstrates her strength, determination and perseverance — characteristics the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business is proud to showcase.
In the fall of 1995, Duke was like many high school seniors, excited to begin her college experience. She had received early admittance to Virginia Tech and was ready to set out on her own. However, a turn of events soon derailed that plan — her mother moved out and Duke had to quickly support herself. Finding employment at a local hair salon, she began working toward a cosmetology apprenticeship. With hard work, she quickly became licensed, and she built a successful career, up until the time she married her husband, a Marine, in the fall of 1999.
Duke then began a new phase of life as a military wife. She was blessed with two beautiful children and survived 13 separate relocations. As the years passed, her initial desire for higher education returned. “I spent nine years raising my children, and when my youngest child entered elementary school, I decided it was time for me to invest in myself,” said Duke. “I knew that without a degree, it would be impossible to attain the type of career I desired.”
After all those years away from school, Duke started her higher education journey at Lord Fairfax Community College. “I was worried that I was not going to be smart enough or tech-savvy enough, but I quickly learned with hard work and determination I could not only pass, but I could excel. I finished with my associate’s degree in general studies and my teaching certificate in May 2013 with a 4.0 GPA.”
Duke then set her eyes toward a bachelor’s degree. Shenandoah University’s Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business, “became my first choice after attending the 2013 Business Symposium. I was so genuinely impressed with the facilities, the faculty, and the community involvement. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
While attending the Byrd School, Duke said “I liked the small classroom sizes and personal relationships I developed with the professors, administrators, and faculty. I knew that I mattered… and my success was a priority.”
It was a perfect environment for Duke. She soon won three different scholarships: the University Corporation Scholarship, G. Smith Scholarship and L. Mark Tyree Scholarship.
“Throughout these years at the university, I realized how strong I am… Being a mom, a student, and an employee was a struggle. I knew there would be a light at the end of the tunnel and it would all be worth it. I am so grateful that I stuck to it because now, not only do I know that I can do anything I put my mind to, but my kids know that I am an intelligent, educated, strong woman.”
The future holds exciting possibilities for Duke. “Now that I have graduated, I am looking forward to beginning my career. On June 8, I will start a six-week internship with Yount, Hyde & Barbour, a local CPA firm. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a prestigious firm. I hope to complete my CPA and even an MBA in the future. I love learning and I will continue to be a lifelong learner.”