UC Online Ambassador Spotlight: Maggie Brisker, Early Childhood Education

It’s never too late to become a Bearcat.

This fall, Maggie Brisker will graduate from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) through UC Online. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but Maggie doesn’t regret taking the leap. 

A single mom of six and a full-time teacher, Maggie knows firsthand that life doesn’t always make going back to school easy, and that you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time to pursue your goals.

With the support of her professors and UC’s online staff, Maggie found a way to make earning her degree work alongside her career and family. Now, she’s excited to take what she’s learned and share it with future Bearcats as a UC Online Ambassador. 

Before coming to UC, Maggie had tried in-person college twice already: first nursing, then software. Ultimately, neither program was the right fit. Even if they had been, on-campus learning presented its own challenges. The lack of flexibility made it difficult for Maggie to continue, especially as a single mom working full-time. 

Becoming an educator happened somewhat by chance. The birth of her first child sparked her first experience in childcare. After 10 years of working in the field, Maggie’s passion for teaching has only continued to grow. 

“There is something so heartwarming about seeing a child use something you taught them in everyday life,” she said. “I love seeing children I’ve taught out in public and having them run up to give me a hug. Those moments remind me how much our relationships matter.”

Even when Maggie’s career has veered away from teaching, she always returns to it. Currently, she’s a lead teacher and coordinator at the YMCA. Still, she wanted to take her career further and learn more.  

It became clear that earning her degree was the next step. Her doubts, along with her past college experiences, nearly stopped her. 

“A conversation with my oldest daughter, who was ten at the time, really stayed with me,” Maggie shared. “She asked, ‘Why do you think you’re not good enough to start college again?’ She reminded me that I had always told her, ‘You only fail when you stop trying.’ My daughter’s question helped me realize this journey would mean more than earning a credential.” 

After deciding to go back to school, what made Maggie choose UC’s online ECE program?

A Cincinnati native, she'd been familiar with UC her whole life. How easily she connected with UC's online staff and faculty was what sealed the deal. 

“From the beginning, the student support team and my academic advisor made the process feel welcoming and manageable.”

Another selling point? Flexibility. 

“I chose UC Online because of the flexibility it offered and how willing the staff were to work with me,” she said.

With so much on her plate, this was top of mind for Maggie when looking at degree options. It’s about more than just flexible coursework—100% online, asynchronous courses, highly adaptable to each student’s unique schedule.  

For Maggie, flexibility also meant being able to take each semester week by week, assignment by assignment, and “fitting schoolwork into whatever small pockets of time I could find.”

Some weeks, she followed a structured study schedule; other weeks, when life was unpredictable and she had to prioritize work or family, she was able to stay on track. Online learning made it possible for her to adjust and regroup without giving up altogether. 

What Maggie found most important, however, was the flexibility to earn her degree while remaining present in the “now.” Even while striving toward a better future, she didn’t want to forget what had inspired her in the first place: her family.

“I did not have to miss soccer games, wrestling practices, dance recitals, or the everyday moments that matter to our family,” she shared. “It was not always organized or pretty, but I kept moving forward one assignment at a time.” 

If you’ve never experienced online learning, you may have some misconceptions about it. For example, Maggie emphasized how online degree programs shouldn’t be seen as easier than on-campus programs. 

"They offer flexibility, but they also require a great deal of discipline, time management, and personal responsibility,” she said. “You have to hold yourself accountable while managing everything else in your life.” 

Fortunately, Maggie felt supported by her University of Cincinnati instructors every step of the way. Even as an online student, she formed strong connections with professors like Dr. Christina VanOsdol, whom Maggie described as “one of the most compassionate and understanding people I have ever met.”

Another UC professor, Jane Holtgrefe, went above and beyond to help Maggie succeed, including when Maggie accidentally enrolled three weeks late in a course and needed help getting caught up. 

Maggie was also able to take what she’d learned offline, applying her coursework in the classroom and bolstering her experience as an educator. Through student teaching and internship experiences, Maggie’s education continued in the real world while still giving her the flexibility she needed. 

“Being able to put what I’ve learned into everyday practice has helped me grow so much,” she explained. “It is encouraging to have an experienced professional recognize what I’m doing well while also giving me feedback on where I can improve.” 

It wasn’t always easy to balance everything. There were many times when Maggie was burning the candle at both ends and felt exhausted. Her promise to herself and to her children kept her going. 

“I wanted to create a better future for my family, grow in the career I love, and prove to myself that I could finish what I began. My children would tell me how proud they were of me, and hearing that gave me the strength to keep going, even on the hardest days.” 

“You only fail when you stop trying.” 

Over the years, Maggie has offered this advice to her children. When she went back to school, they reminded her of it when she needed it. Now, Maggie would say the same to any working parents like her, individuals who want to finish their degrees but are scared to get started. 

“Don't wait for life to become perfectly calm,” she said, “because that perfect time may never come. Start where you are, take it one class at a time, and ask for help when you need it.” 

Maggie has tried to inspire her children to chase after their dreams, even if they face obstacles along the way. She hopes to provide that same inspiration to current and future online learners, which is why she was interested in becoming a UC Online Ambassador.  

As an ambassador, she connects with other online UC students, to answer their questions, relate to their experiences, and let them know they aren’t alone.

“I know how intimidating it can feel to start college again, especially when you’re already balancing work and a family,” Maggie said. "UC Online gave me flexibility, and the encouragement of my professors and advisor helped me build confidence in myself. I’m most excited to share my experience with other parents and people who think they’ve missed their chance. I want them to know that struggling before doesn’t mean they aren’t capable.” 

As Maggie prepares to graduate, we’d like to congratulate Maggie on continuing her education and taking the next step in her career. All of us at UC are proud of what she’s accomplished as a student, educator, and parent.

Are you an educator or childcare professional interested in earning your degree online? UC's online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education could be an excellent fit for your goals. Asynchronous and 100% online, this flexible program is ideal for those with numerous responsibilities like Maggie.  

Connect with your Enrollment Services Advisor today to explore your options! 

Discover how you can share your experience, answer questions, and help future Bearcats see what’s possible.  For more information, visit the UC Online Ambassador Program webpage.