A Dream Realized: First-Generation Student Returns to UofL

For Sarah Neff, returning to the University of Louisville to pursue her graduate education wasn’t just a goal—it was a dream come true. After more than 15 years as a radio personality, Sarah found the courage to pursue that dream while co-hosting the podcast That Mom Life with UofL Communications professor, Dr. Kandi Walker. “That podcast changed my life and gave me the courage to leave the only career I had ever known.”

Sarah earned her master’s degree in communication this spring. She completed the program as a nontraditional student, balancing full and part-time work while raising three young children.  “I had a lot of classes in person and at night, which meant working a full workday on campus, then class until 8 p.m., then home just in time to put my kids to bed. This was by far my hardest challenge.” 

This balancing act between motherhood, work, and graduate school reminded Sarah of the importance of time and the need to reserve some for herself. "I went back to grad school for myself and myself alone. It wasn’t for me as a mother, spouse, or worker, but for Sarah. I didn’t think I could do it, but I did.” 

As a first-generation college graduate, education has always been central to Sarah’s story. “It was something I knew I had to achieve after watching my parents be judged for not having a college education,” she said. “Now, to be the first with a master’s, it’s mindboggling that I was able to complete this too!”

In her current role as Executive Director of Events at UofL, Sarah creates programs that elevate the university’s engagement and philanthropic efforts. Her portfolio includes high-profile events like the Alumni Awards, Grawemeyer Awards, the University Inauguration, and the Brandeis Medal event.

“It’s empowering to work for a brand that stands for something so much larger than myself," she said. "As an alumna myself, it is amazing to give back to the university that has given so much to me.” 

When asked what advice she’d give to others considering returning to school later in life, Sarah offered: “As cheesy as it sounds, you will figure out a way to make it all work together. It won’t be easy or without sacrifice, but it is possible."

"I encourage other mothers who perhaps put it on hold like myself, to take that time back for themselves to complete a lifelong goal."

Sarah credits much of her success in graduate school to the support she found in her cohort. “It’s important to have others sharing like-experiences with you in real time. That is by far the biggest thing that has contributed to my success as a grad student!”

For Sarah, this master’s degree is more than a credential—it’s a personal milestone.

"My master’s program has been a true gift for me, not for me as a mother or career woman, but simply for myself to achieve a dream."

Looking ahead, Sarah intends to pay it forward. “My hope for the future is that I can give back to the Communications department as an adjunct professor and hopefully become an anchor point for a future student, just as so many professors and teachers have done for me in my life.”