From Kenya to WSU: A Mother’s Journey as a First-Generation College Student 

As a first-generation college student and mother of three, Caroline Njeri Moore is proving that there’s no single path to earning a college degree. When Moore moved from Kenya to the United States in 2017, she knew she wanted to continue her education but wasn’t sure how to navigate an unfamiliar academic system. 

Now, nearly a decade later, Moore is preparing to graduate from Washington State University Global Campus in December 2026 with a fully online bachelor of science in psychology. “My educational journey has been anything but traditional,” Moore said. 

A First-Generation College Student’s Path to WSU Global Campus 

Growing up in Kenya, Moore witnessed the sacrifices her parents made to ensure their children had access to education. Her mother even took out loans to help pay for school, instilling in Moore a deep appreciation for educational opportunities. 

After completing high school in Kenya in 2015, Moore moved to the United States two years later. Adjusting to a new country and education system presented challenges, but she eventually earned her GED through Klamath Community College in Oregon. “I still remember how proud I felt because it represented the beginning of a new chapter,” she said. 

Moore continued her education at Bellingham Technical College and Everett Community College, earning her associate’s degree in June of 2025 before transferring to WSU Global Campus. “Being a first-generation college student means so much more to me than earning a degree,” Moore said. “It means creating opportunities that previous generations in my family may not have had.” 

Balancing Motherhood and an Online College Degree 

Moore returned to school when her oldest child was just six months old. As her family grew, balancing coursework and parenting became increasingly challenging. With three young children, attending traditional in-person classes would have been difficult. WSU Global Campus offered the flexibility she needed to pursue her degree while remaining present for her family. 

“As a mother of three, my schedule can change unexpectedly,” Moore said. “Being able to study early in the morning, during my children’s quiet time, or late at night has made a tremendous difference.” Although she initially questioned whether an online program would offer the same opportunities for connection as a traditional classroom, Moore found value in learning alongside classmates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Her family has also been an important source of encouragement. “My husband has been my biggest cheerleader, and my children have learned the importance of hard work by watching me study,” Moore said. “Global Campus has allowed me to pursue my educational goals without having to choose between being a student and being a mother.” 

Turning a Passion for Psychology into a Career in Mental Health 

Moore’s interest in psychology began in high school in Kenya, where she participated in a peer counseling group, listening to classmates and supporting them through personal challenges. The experience sparked her curiosity about human behavior and mental health. 

Her interest deepened through motherhood, particularly while raising a child with autism. Those experiences inspired her to learn more about child development and behavior. At WSU, courses in human development, behavior modification, and personality psychology have helped her connect classroom lessons with everyday life. “What I love most about studying psychology is that it goes beyond textbooks,” Moore said. “I can apply what I learn to my family, my relationships, and the way I understand the people around me.” Her experiences as an immigrant have also shaped her career aspirations.

After graduation, Moore hopes to pursue doctoral-level education and a career in mental health, with a particular interest in clinical psychology and supporting immigrant families and parents raising children with developmental disabilities. “I hope to use my education and personal experiences to create a welcoming environment where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to seek help,” she said. 

An Online Psychology Degree and a Milestone for Future Generations 

Between coursework, parenting, and appointments and therapy sessions for her child, Moore has faced moments when she questioned whether she could accomplish everything she had set out to do. Yet her determination earned her a place on the WSU Presidential Honor Roll. “It meant so much to me because it validated that the late nights and the sacrifices I was making while balancing school and motherhood were truly paying off,” Moore said. “I have learned that perseverance does not mean everything will be easy. Sometimes it simply means continuing to show up, even when things are difficult.” 

As she approaches graduation in December, Moore plans to participate virtually and celebrate with her family. For her, earning a degree is about honoring her parents’ sacrifices and showing her children what’s possible. “I hope they take away the lesson that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter how hard the journey may seem,” Moore said. 

She also hopes to encourage others who may feel their circumstances make higher education impossible. “Your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s to be successful,” Moore said. “Whether you are starting college at 18, returning to school after having children, or beginning again in a new country, your dreams are still worth pursuing.” 

About the Author

Emily Oliva is the Assistant Director of Digital Content for WSU Global Campus, with over a decade of experience in higher education marketing. She loves telling student stories and highlighting the journeys behind the degrees. She’s currently based in Miami, Florida—very far from Washington State, but fully committed to the Cougs.