Student Spotlight: How Myke Smith Balances Career, Family, and Her Online Master's

As a working mother and online learner, Myke Smith has found a home at the University of Cincinnati. Her story with UC spans nearly two decades, but she's had to step away at times—to focus on her career or provide for her children. In spite of the challenges she’s faced, Myke earned her bachelor’s in public health and is now pursuing her online Master’s in Community Health & Prevention Science. 

We had the opportunity to speak with Myke about her family, her passion for public health, and how she balances her career with an online graduate program. 

"It's not about the money,” Myke said. “It's about just making somebody else smile”—something she’s shown time and time again for over a decade. It’s evident in her work as a medical assistant since 2010, along with her continued commitment to her education. And she’s not stopping yet.

In 2019, she went through the unimageable loss of her son and took a year off from school. After experiencing that tragedy, she found an even clearer purpose for herself. Her son is the reason why she came back to school, and why she aims to continue onto a PhD. 

“I can't change it right now, but later on in life, my goal is to prevent brown and black women from having to go through infant mortality or worse,” Myke said. “It took this tragic event for me to wake up and say, ‘This is your calling.’ I want to be somewhere where there's no support. I want to be where we're starting from the bottom and working our way up. I just feel that I am best fit for the community.”

“Graduating high school, I actually had a full ride to come here to UC,” Myke recalled. “But because I was a teen mom, it was challenging." She made the choice to switch gears and become a medical assistant.

For Myke, UC was always the destination. She wanted to start and finish at UC, no matter the time it took. Her number one priority has remained consistent: her children. Luckily, as her life and needs have changed throughout the years, UC has offered her the support she needs. 

“I knew that I couldn't be on campus,” she said. “I had to be online. I've never taken an online class ever. My number one question was if there was an opportunity to come on campus and meet people—can I do that? And they told me yes.”

When it came to earning her master’s online, Myke’s fears dissipated as she got comfortable with the format. She's taken advantage of both online flexibility and in-person, individualized attention. When she had to take breaks from school, her progress at UC didn’t disappear—instead, she could pick up her education where she left off and move forward. 

“A lot of my professors were really happy that I came to their open door and said, ‘Hey, I know I'm online, but I'm Myke, and I want to know who you are because you're just behind a screen’.”

Balancing school, work, and family isn't always easy.

“It was very challenging,” Myke said. “Daycare was hard. Staying up all night, doing homework, working two to three jobs, which I do now.” Along with being a medical assistant, Myke is also an instructor at Butler Tech. A student herself, she's been able to encourage students with similar stories to not give up. 

“I just encourage them. If I can do it with all these kids, then you can do it, too. I just keep pushing. And I think my girls and even my son sees that. There's no failure in my book.”

When she wants to give up, Myke reminds herself that she’s not where she wants to be—but eventually she’ll get there. 

“I'm not stopping. I don't care if I'm 94, I’m still walking across that stage.”

Myke's advice for potential students is just another demonstration of her tenacity and drive.

“It is not easy. It is hard,” she said. “There’s been times where I'm like, ‘I give up. I don't want to do it no more. I'm tired.’ But that tire—you have to be uncomfortable to get comfortable. And at this moment, I am so uncomfortable, but it's going to pay off later. So that’s my message. If I can do it, you can do it.” 

Myke’s story is an inspirational one: of overcoming obstacles, of finishing what you start, of dedicating yourself to helping others. We’re excited to see where Myke’s education takes her next! If you’d like to hear more, watch her full interview below.

Are you interested in earning your degree online? Whether you’re passionate about public health or have no idea what your path is, UC’s online programs may be the perfect fit.

Your Enrollment Services Advisor can answer your questions and help you determine your next step. Connect with us today and get closer to your goal.