Kelly McDonough. Photo courtesy of the Union-Leader.

Cheers to the Union-Leader in New Hampshire for this article about Kelly McDonough, a young woman who earned her degree in sociology and social work in an unusual way.

McDonough, 31, had attended college 13 years ago but had to drop out due to a sports injury. Years later she found out Saint Anselm College let employees take classes for free. So she got a job as a security guard there.

McDonough took 33 classes in four years. It was tough going. 

She needed a computer, something that was not required when she first went to college in the 1990s. McDonough used her vacation time to study so had no breaks.

And since she was a university employee she was not allowed to fraternize with other students so the experience was a little lonesome.

McDonough is now looking for a social work job and said she may even try to find a job at a school so she can take classes toward a master’s degree.

“I’d like to work with children, or I’d like to do something helping people,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help people.”