Turning Life Experiences into a Purpose

For Airese Deans, pursuing a degree in Human and Social Work Services at North Central State College is about more than earning a college credential. It is about turning her life experiences into a source of strength and using her story to help others navigate their own challenges.

“I have a passion for helping people,” Deans shared. “I have been through a lot, so I feel like I can help other people with my story. I want to turn my situation into something that helps someone else get through.”

That desire to make a difference inspired Deans to pursue the Human and Social Work Services field that offers opportunities to support individuals, families, and communities through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Dean’s journey at North Central has not always been easy. Over the past two and a half years, she has balanced the demands of college with the responsibilities of raising her children. Through it all, she’s kept her eye on her goal, finding strength in the people who have supported her along the way.

When asked what she is most proud of, Deans did not hesitate. “I am proud that I stuck with it,” she said. “I’m proud that I started, and I will be very proud when I finish.”

For Deans, that accomplishment reflects not only her own determination but also the encouragement she received from the North Central faculty, staff, and fellow students. Their support helped her keep moving forward, even when the journey became challenging.

She also credits the college’s TRIO program as an important part of her academic experience. “Without the college in itself and the help of TRIO, I would not have made it this far,” Deans said. “You guys have been amazing. It made my experience well worth it.”

While the support she has received at North Central has been instrumental, Deans’ greatest cheerleaders have been right there with her at home: her children. As a mother, she has worked to balance the many responsibilities of family life while continuing to pursue her education. Along the way, her children have watched her put in the work, overcome obstacles, and move closer to graduation.

“They think the world of me being in college,” Deans said. “They’re really looking forward to my graduation.” Their excitement has made the journey even more meaningful. Deans looks forward to having her children in the audience when she walks across the graduation stage, celebrating an achievement they have witnessed firsthand.

For her oldest child, who is 18, her experience may also help shape his future. As he considers his own college plans, Deans hopes her journey will show him what is possible. “If I can do it, he can do it, too,” she said, describing the examples she hopes to set. Her message to him is simple: wherever he chooses to begin his college journey, taking that first step matters.

In the Human and Social Work Service field there is a variety of opportunities to make a real difference. Social work professionals help people solve problems and connect with resources to help them move ahead, whether working with children and families or helping young people through schools, foster care agencies, and community organizations.

For Deans, those possibilities resonate with why she got into the field in the first place, wanting to help other navigate tough circumstances. Her own experience have shaped her and given her a personal understanding of the challenges people can face and the importance of having someone in their corner.

She will carry with her the lessons learned, the relationship built and the encouragement received during her time at North Central as she looks ahead to the next chapter.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Deans wanted to recognize the people and programs that helped her reach this milestone. She expressed her gratitude to North Central State

College, the TRIO program and faculty, staff, and others who support her throughout her time in the Human Services and Social Work program.

Their encouragement made her college experience one she will forever sherish. Dean’s story is a reminder that education is more than what students learn in the classroom. It’s also about persistence, community and the opportunity to create a different future for themselves and those around them.