Leresa Cozart has always loved to learn.

She earned her associate’s degree in mathematics from Houston Community College and started on a business degree, too. The mom of two got a job with CVS Caremark, helping people get their medications.

One day, Cozart heard about KC Scholars on the radio. The program offers an adult learner scholarship that provides up to $50,000 for eligible adults who do not have a bachelor’s degree. Initially, she started pursuing a business degree, but switched to pharmacy to be in the healthcare field.

Cozart’s son, MJ, was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Cozart knew first-hand that if she became a pharmacist, she could help others in a different way.

“I just wanted to be able to be on the front line to help people as opposed to having to call their insurance company,” she said.

Her first semester was a tough adjustment. She felt pressure to stick with a strict study schedule and was stressed about the workload, but she soon found an approach that worked better for her, taking her schoolwork day-by-day.

“My spring semester, I kind of eased up on myself,” she said. “I've learned to not be so hard on myself and to be kind to myself, knowing that this is all new for me and there's going to be ups and downs.”

Her love for learning, and knack for business didn’t end there. Cozart enrolled in the UMKC Master’s of Business Administration program to finish her business degree and will start MBA courses, along with her pharmacy courses, in Fall 2024.

“I'm really just moving by faith and not by sight at this point,” she said. “I don't know what God has in store for me. I know that I don't write my story. I'm just going according to His plan.”

Managing two graduate programs, full-time work and motherhood is a balancing act, but Cozart says with some determination, there’s nothing that can’t be done.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it, given everything I have on my plate,” Cozart said. “So I think it's doable and pharmacy is a good profession if you want to help people and you want a high-paying job that doesn't require the residencies of doctors.”

Cozart said working remotely has helped make pursuing her degrees possible because it allows her to spend time with MJ and her daughter, Mariah, who have enjoyed seeing their mom become a student.

“It makes me feel proud of her,” MJ said. “And it also shows me that regardless of age, regardless of what stage you are in life, it’s never too late to do what you want to do.”

For MJ, a junior in high school, having a parent who can relate to school-related challenges helps keep him motivated.

“I feel as compared to most parent-kid relationships, where the parent just doesn't know what the kid’s going through with school and everything, having a mom in school makes me feel better about asking for help, and she helps me better because we're both going through kind of similar experiences,” he said.

Showing her kids what is possible is part of what motivates Cozart to keep going during challenging times.

“I definitely do everything I can to try to be the best role model for my kids,” Cozart said. “I want them to know that the opportunities are endless.”