The Next Chapter is a Dream Come True: Gwen Fuller ’29
Written by Chris Worthy
As some of her friends are starting to dream of retirement, Gwen Fuller ’29 is getting ready for her next chapter. After decades of working and caring for her family, she is pursuing her dreams. Age? That’s just a number.
Fuller is an Early Childhood Education major in Converse II, a program designed to meet the needs of students ages 25 or older, offering a high-quality education at a discounted rate and allowing them to set their own pace – full-time or part-time – and reach their goals. This customized path fits the lifestyle of adult students who are looking for advancement and purpose, often within the context of work and family. It not only meets Fuller’s needs, but it is also serving workforce development in the Upstate, preparing adult students to transform their careers while aligning with in-demand fields like education and business.
She started working full time when she was just 14 years old, balancing school and work, with little time left for anything else.
Though she did not have the opportunity to go to college after high school, Fuller has deep experience and a firm commitment to what comes next. She started working full time when she was just 14 years old, balancing school and work, with little time left for anything else. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Fuller stayed in the workforce for years, sometimes managing more than one job while also caring for her family. When she started working as a substitute teacher, Fuller found her passion, though she was worried that it all came too late.
“I started serving and getting to know the kids,” she said. “I wanted to start teaching, but I felt like I was too old to go back to school.”
Fuller was encouraged by her own children and by the barriers removed by the Converse II program. Her daughter, Danielle Fuller ‘24 ‘26, works in Student Financial Services at Converse, is a Converse II graduate and a graduate student in the Master’s in Management in Professional Leadership (MiM) program. Through her daughter’s experience, Fuller has seen how impactful and supportive the program can be.
“I’m so excited to be going back to school. I go in with the attitude that I’m going to be the best that I can be at what I’m doing, motivated by what I’m preparing for in my future.”
Gwen Fuller ’29
Gwen Fuller is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a new, exciting season. And yes, she still works and cares for others, all while keeping up with her assignments. That dream of leading her own classroom is starting to take shape, and she is ready. For others who think they missed their chance at a dream, Fuller said, “you’ve got to pursue what you want.”
“I want to pour back into children,” she said. “I love kids. When they come to school, they want to be in a happy place, a place where they are comfortable. I do want to be a teacher. That’s my goal. I had a teacher in the eighth grade tell me – tell us – that you can do anything and be anything you want if you just try. I’m so excited to be going back to school. I go in with the attitude that I’m going to be the best that I can be at what I’m doing, motivated by what I’m preparing for in my future. I have had a lot of support from the faculty [at Converse], and I’m excited about this year.”
About Converse II
Converse II is uniquely designed to meet the needs of students ages 25 or older, with discounted tuition and full-time and part-time options available. Career transformation starts with a simplified application process. Transfer credits are accepted, and no test scores or entrance exams are required. Students can pursue any undergraduate major offered at the university. (Note: some degree programs have additional entrance requirements for the major; consult your academic advisor about your program of interest.) Once enrolled, Converse II students have access to a wide variety of student success services and the personalized support to help them thrive and be prepared to lead and succeed.