Lina Pink already had a career and a passion for her work. What she needed was the degree to match.
A health care operations professional at the University of Miami Health System, Pink spent years building her expertise in patient access while earning a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Like many working adults, her path to a bachelor's degree stalled somewhere along the way. Returning to finish it, she says, was never a question. Colleagues at the University had gone through the Bachelor of General Studies program and spoke highly of it.
"I realized it aligned perfectly with what I was seeking," Pink said. "A degree path that complemented both my professional background and my long-term leadership goals."
She enrolled in the program with a focus on communication and leadership. The coursework was immediately applicable to her job, she said. Speech writing pushed her to sharpen her voice. Group communication and leadership courses gave her practical frameworks she took into her daily work.
Classroom projects functioned less like academic exercises and more like the real thing, with teammates holding each other accountable, navigating differing opinions, and working toward shared goals.
"We didn't just collaborate," she said. "We operated as a real team."
Pink said managing a full-time career, family responsibilities, and a full course load was not always easy. She credits discipline and a clear sense of purpose for carrying her through.
Her family was central to her success too, she said, providing encouragement throughout the program.
"My family has been my foundation," Pink said. "A constant reminder of why this journey matters."
Now that she's crossing the finish line, Pink is setting her sights on senior leadership and roles where she can shape strategy, elevate how teams communicate, and help build cultures based on trust.
Pink said the BGS program gave her much more than a degree. She said she now has a sharper sense of who she is as a leader, a professional network built on trust, and a clear idea of where she's headed.
"I've learned that effective communication is not just about delivering a message," she said. "It is about influencing outcomes, building relationships, and creating impact."
For anyone hesitating to go back to school, Pink said her advice is simple.
"There will never be a perfect time," she said, "Your life experience is not a setback. It is your greatest asset."
Applications for the Bachelor of General Studies open on May 18. Connect with an advisor and learn more.
