When traditional degree paths didn’t quite fit, Destiny Leon didn’t give up. She got creative. As a student in SEMO’s Professional Studies program, she found the flexibility, support, and academic freedom to build a degree that matched her goals.

“Professional Studies allows variety, so I could go on to any path I chose,” she said. “It really helps you find your focus. I’ve had a fun time being in the program.”

Designing Her Degree to Fit Her Interest

What sealed the deal for Destiny? The freedom to explore!

“The fact I could study anything I wanted and was interested in sealed the deal for me,” she shared. “I couldn’t go down the traditional educational path, so I went the alternative route. But the courses that make up most of my degree are in education.”

Instead of being locked into one set of classes, the Bachelor of Professional Studies allowed her to branch out and mix education with other topics she was curious about.

“With an education degree, you’re in just education classes, but with Professional Studies, I could take other things that piqued my interest such as psychology or biology.”

Balancing School, Life, and Work

Like many SEMO students, Destiny worked throughout her college journey, serving as a substitute teacher and working at SEMO’s Kennett campus. Balancing two jobs and classes wasn’t always easy, but she made it work.

Her top tip for staying on track? Avoid procrastination and use a planner. Creating good habits allowed Destiny to balance her schoolwork with her jobs and social life.

“Always make sure that you’ve done your schoolwork before you start anything else. That’s the best way to stay on track and create good habits.”

Keeping a calendar of class schedules, due dates, and work shifts helped Destiny manage everything in one place and never miss a deadline.

Success is Built on Flexible Courses and Faculty Support

Some of the courses that helped Destiny most were online and HyFlex, offering flexibility without sacrificing structure.

“I love that I know what’s due each week and that deadlines are available from the beginning,” she explained. “So, I could plan ahead and stay on track.”

And behind every student's success story is a support system. For Destiny, that included professors, advisors, and staff across SEMO.

“My advisor, Judith Davis, and her administrative assistant, Kayla McDaniel, helped me so much. Dr. Shannon Clapsaddle, one of my education professors, was very supportive. And Dr. Slavica Kodish, my PX499 professor, has always been there if I needed anything. Without these helpers I don’t know if I could have made it to where I am now... graduating.”

Confidence, Clarity, and What’s Next

Beyond earning a degree, Destiny says the program gave her something maybe more valuable: confidence.

“Professional Studies has helped me grow more confident in my abilities as a professional individual,” she said. “It’s helped me build a better resume and cover letter, understand networking, and gain the skills I need to get the job I want.”

As for what’s next? Destiny has multiple job offers to consider and plans to continue substitute teaching, a role she’s found both rewarding and meaningful.

A Few Words of Wisdom

If she could talk to her past self, Destiny’s advice would be simple and encouraging:

“Trust the process. Everything is going to be okay.”

And to anyone thinking about majoring in Professional Studies at SEMO? Destiny wants to encourage you to take your degree path into your own hands.

“Do it. It’s a wonderful degree that offers variety, and there’s support at every turn. I actually convinced one of my friends to join the program, and I think he’ll be as happy about it as I am!”

Want to Know More about Professional Studies?

Explore how SEMO’s Professional Studies program empowers students to create their own paths, build workforce-ready skills, and graduate on their own terms.