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OREM — A Utah County woman who overcame her fear of going to college will soon graduate from Utah Valley University as valedictorian of the School of the Arts.
Heather Jones, 45, didn't intend to graduate when she went to college in her 30s until she met someone who couldn't get a certain job due to her lack of credentials.
Jones then realized the value of a college degree and is working to get one in theater arts so she can work in her desired career.
The scariest thing about going to college for Jones was math.
"Math is the only thing I ever failed in high school… and I didn't know how I would ever be able to get through college algebra," Jones said.
She decided to tackle that class first and didn't take any other classes at that time. After going to the math lab every day and doing extra homework assignments, she finished the class with an A.
"So then it was sort of like… all the other classes that I took after that were kind of like, well, if I could get an A in college algebra, then I should be able to get an A in this class, too… because that was so much more technically hard," Jones said.
Now a straight-A student, Jones credits her success to two things: going to class and turning in her homework on time.
For her senior project, the acting major is participating in the school's production of "The Rez Sisters," which she says is funny, quirky and somewhat tragic.
Because she is older than most other students, Jones is often asked if she is the teacher. She said she feels she has a big advantage as an older student because of her life experience.
"For those who are older that are considering going back to school, I would do it in a heartbeat... Don't be afraid of it. It's great. UVU is great."
Jones has enjoyed learning in college and thinks it's cool to be able to speak with people on a variety of topics.
In the future, she hopes to work at a job she loves in the theater or film industry.
