A laptop, planner, and mouse on a white desk, perfect for online education and virtual learning at Bryan University. Designed for students seeking flexible, online college programs.

Bryan University Graduate Spotlight: Elissa Rivard, Business Administration Undergraduate Certificate

A woman with dark hair and a young boy with blonde hair enjoy a happy moment together

Life can change in an instant, and for Bryan University graduate Elissa Rivard, that moment came in 2023 when she became a single mom to a 3-month-old baby while navigating a divorce. At the same time, she knew she wanted to advance her education and create a stable future for her family.

“I had a 3 month old boy. I kind of just recently separated from my husband at the time going through a divorce, trying to figure out my life,” Elissa said. “I knew that I wanted to go into education and gain a business degree of some sort.” 

It was during this time she found herself wondering what she was going to go next. “I was just kind of like, what am I doing with my life? Because at the time I wasn’t working and I became a single mom suddenly and I was trying to find childcare. I didn’t know what to do.” 

She turned to Google and it was during one of her searches for different career paths that she discovered Bryan University. After checking out the website and seeing the online programs, she sent her information to the admissions office for more information. When an admissions representative called her, his knowledge and excitement is what inspired her to enroll. 

“The recruiter that called me really gave me information,” she said. “Based on how much he knew and just his excitement, it made me excited to get into Bryan University.” 

Shortly after starting her studies in 2023, her son experienced health issues that required hospitalization, which forced her to withdraw from her first semester. The stress of life, coupled with a lack of support from those around her, pushed her to find motivation in herself and her son and not give up. 

And she didn’t. In early 2024, she returned to Bryan University’s online Business Administration Undergraduate Certificate program under academic probation. She was determined to continue her education even while balancing full-time work and parenting. It was challenging, but her son remained her primary motivation.

“My support system is my son,” she said. “He’s 2 years old. He’s the reason I keep going and making sure that I make this happen.”

She added, “I had to find something that motivated me, and that’s what I did. My 2 year old is watching me, and one day he’s gonna say my mom did it.” 

Her advice to others who might fall behind and feel overwhelmed — ignore the negativity and focus on the little things that motivate you. 

She found study habits and strategies that helped her stay organized and on top of her work. This included detailed note taking, “I do write every single thing down,” she said; using a planner to map out the modules at the beginning of the course to know when everything would be due and working ahead just in case she did fall behind.

The flexibility of learning online was her favorite part about attending Bryan University. 

“Being able to do it anywhere. I can do it at the coffee shop or at work if I have some break time for lunch, even at 2 a.m.,” she said. 

Remembering her “why” is what really helped her stay on track, even with the distractions of life. She even wrote her purpose statement down in her planner so it was always close. 

“My why is my son. I want to create a better life, to not live paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “I’m always looking at my planner to see what I have to do so I see that every day.” 

In addition to keeping her “why” at the forefront of her mind, Elissa said having instructors that were easy to reach out to and other students to interact with made a big difference in her experience. 

“I just want to see myself succeed,” she said. 

In March, Elissa completed her Business Administration Undergraduate Certificate and she was able to transfer her credits directly into BU’s Associate Degree in Human Resources Management, which she’s on track to graduate from in December 2025. 

Take the First Step into Your Future Career with Bryan University Today! 

If you’re ready to take the first step in furthering or changing your career, click here to learn more about our online Business Administration Undergraduate Certificate. This online program gives you hands-on experience using Microsoft Office and prepares you for Microsoft’s Excel Associate Certification and includes the cost of one exam attempt in tuition. 

At BU, our programs are stackable which means once you complete your certificate, you can get to work sooner while completing your associate degree! You can transfer the credits you earn in the certificate program directly into our Accounting or Human Resources Management Associate Degree programs. 

Visit us online or call 1-888-768-6861 to get started today. 

Request Information

And Get a FREE Career Brochure

Terms of submitting this form: I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, SMS text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel anytime. This consent is not required to enroll. For questions, call 1 (888) 768 6861. Visit our Privacy Policy.

← Return to Bryan Newsroom