Precious Wilson’s Experiences at American National University
Born and raised in central Florida, Precious Wilson has built a career defined by adaptability, growth and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. After 11 years working in dentistry, Precious was recently promoted to practice manager, inspiring her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management at American National University to strengthen the managerial skills needed for her new role. Having recently completed the university’s Paralegal associate degree program, Precious brings a diverse professional and academic background to her education, with an interest in both the medical and legal fields. As a mother of two and a professional who describes herself as a “jack of all trades,” Precious continues to demonstrate that she can adapt, learn and take on whatever comes next—qualities that earned her recognition as a Term Trailblazer for Term 262!
Precious has earned her Term Trailblazer recognition during her tenure in our Business Management Administration program, however, she already knew of American National University because she completed her associate degree in Paralegal studies in February of this year. “I was researching, I ran across a few schools, and they all sounded good. But when I came up [American National University], I was like ‘well, their program is designed around the American Bar Association, so they hit different for me’!” She explained. She took a lot of different things into considerations, like the admissions process and the amount of transfer credits she could utilize. And American National University checked every box for her. “I immediately applied and from there on, I just had a great experience. At the time, I had Ms. Linda — she was my go-to person! She was very, very good, I really miss her, she was very hands on with us…
“I will say my experience so far with American National University has been really great. I continue to come, so I’m definitely getting some good feedback from the university!”
Throughout both of her degree programs, Precious has had incredible experiences with her professors. In regard to both Dominika Falsey and Wendy Notz, “they are so smart and knowledgeable. They really, genuinely, care about what you are learning and what information they can give you and guide you. I will commend not even just those two, but a lot of my professors,” she recalled. “I really like how they try to make sure we know anything possible that can help us further in our careers.”
Now that she has been promoted to practice manager at her workplace, Precious is seeing real skills she’s learning being applied to her career. “Lots of leadership. I am definitely trying to match their leadership and how to lead the team,” she explained. She’s also learned “communication. I mean, I have already worked for the company for years now, that’s why they didn’t hesitate to put me into the role. But I think the biggest thing I am going to have to carry on my shoulders is communication, for sure, and leadership, because I’m leading a team plus doctors,” she laughed. “And then, being emotionally in-tune with myself to know that I am going to be dealing with a lot of personalities. So I have to know how to listen and absorb a lot of things from different people.”
“[This is] why I chose [American National University]. In this day and age, life is so different. Life is so demanding. I really like the fact that this works around perfectly with my life – being able to do school in the after hours.”
Precious explained that American National University allowed her to continue her life uninterrupted and earn her education without missing a beat. “Even though we have set time frames – discussions done Wednesday, homework done by Saturday – it’s still achievable,” she said. “I can work during the day, the kids [are] at school, and in and out, I do homework in between the day if I have the time. But the good thing is that my job has always been flexible, and as well as [American National University]. Everything works out perfectly with my schedule.”
Her future goals include possibly entertaining going to law school to be an attorney, or going higher into management. However, she always loves making good and effective change in others’ lives. “As long as there is growth. I love to learn. I don’t ever think you can ever know too much – it’s impossible!”
Would she recommend American National University to others? “Yes. I do that all the time! I try to say, ‘hey, if you’re looking for a school that fits your schedule and your needs, come to [American National University. Whether it’s family or friends, I always tell them about the school.”
Her advice to new students would be “be proactive in class and your schedule.” She says that knowing what you want out of your degree is the first step – and then being dedicated is the next. “You just gotta stay focused!”
