Student Success: Samantha Andrew
Interview with Samantha Andrew
Written by: Melanie Shires | Director of Marketing
Samantha Andrew, a graduate from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) reflects on her time at Education at Work (EAW) as she gets ready to begin her career as a 4th grade elementary school teacher with the knowledge of financial planning that will set her up for her future.
Samantha Andrew, who graduated from Northern Kentucky University in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, reflects on her time at Education at Work (EAW) as she gets ready to begin her teaching career as a 4th grade elementary school teacher.
Samantha began working at EAW for a U.S.-based multinational financial services company in April of 2019 and continued with that same company throughout the entire time she attended college. As she reflects on her time at EAW, Samantha is most grateful for the friendships made and the invaluable knowledge gained about financial products and financial planning that she will be able to take with her and apply through the rest of her life. Not to mention, all while earning enough money to afford college and graduate debt-free.
“During my time at EAW, I was not only able to gain financial knowledge to prepare me to set myself up early to save for my future using financial products, but I was also able to make so many friends during my time with the program”, says Samantha.
An additional key benefit, Samantha pointed out, to her time at EAW was the ability to have a flexible work schedule - working part-time while a full-time student with the opportunity to increase her hours when she didn’t have classes over the summer. This helped Samantha afford college and complete her degree with no student debt.
“The flexibility offered by EAW allowed me the opportunity to fit extracurricular activities into my schedule and earning wages and tuition assistance while still a full-time student”, says Samantha. “I liked that fact that I was able to work for a large corporation that worked with me around my classes and activities, and then in the summer could pick up more hours to help pay for school.”
Samantha concludes, “Overall, I cannot thank EAW enough for the amazing opportunity it provided. It was an incredible place to work, a place where I forged meaningful relationships, developed lifelong knowledge and skills that will help me in my future, and able to earn enough money to graduate debt free.”
Founded in 2012, Education at Work (EAW) is a national work-based learning nonprofit that helps students graduate with less debt and more skills, connections, and confidence by connecting them with flexible, paid employment opportunities. We help high-achieving college students gain the career-ready skills and financial stability needed to succeed after graduation. Our campus-based “learn and earn” model generates career outcomes for students, provides employers with a skilled workforce to address early talent needs, and helps colleges boost affordability while improving student success. If you are a student interested in applying for a position at EAW, have questions, or want more information, please contact us.
