“I Thought I’d Never Be Able to Go Back”: Jessica Milano ’27’s Return to College

Contributed by: Katherine Neilan, Digital Content Producer

For much of her adult life, Jessica Milano ‘27 thought college no longer fit into the reality of her life.

Between raising her three children, running a business, working in real estate, and managing everyday responsibilities, going back to school seemed out of the picture.

“At one point, I thought I’d never be able to go back,” Jessica said.

Fast forward to now, at 41 years old, Jessica is earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Sociology through the Accelerated Adult Undergraduate Program at Albertus Magnus College.

The program’s 8-week course format is designed for working adults, allowing students to continue their education while managing careers, family life, and busy schedules. Students can take one, two, or even three classes at a time depending on what works best for them.

Originally from New Haven and now living in Meriden, Jessica said Albertus was always familiar to her growing up.

“As a kid, we always drove by, and my mom would say, ‘That would be such a dream if you went there,’” she said. “I kind of got hooked on the idea of attending.”

Years ago, Jessica first attempted college while raising her oldest daughter and working three jobs at the same time. Eventually, trying to juggle everything became too difficult.

“It was very hard trying to find time with her, work, and everything else,” she said. “I finally realized I really needed to dedicate time to myself.”

Her life is still busy. Along with being a full-time student, Jessica owns a pet grooming business she has operated for nearly 10 years and works as a Connecticut licensed realtor. She is also raising her two younger sons, including her 11-year-old son who has autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

“That really does push me to want to do more with my life so I can become more educated and help him,” she said.

Most of Jessica’s schoolwork gets done late at night after work and family responsibilities settle down.

“I’m the night owl,” she said. “At night, I just start getting into the essay mode.”

For Jessica, returning to school has become more than simply earning a degree. Returning to school after years away was an adjustment, Jessica said she eventually found her rhythm.

“The first mod was hard,” she admitted. “But then I kind of figured it out.”

She credits the support from professors and advisors for helping make the transition easier, noting that Albertus faculty are approachable and quick to respond. Even in an online format, Jessica said she still feels connected to her classmates.

“You kind of get to know people without a face,” she said.

Now holding a 4.0 GPA, Jessica is already considering earning her Master of Business Administration after graduation.

“I kind of knew that now it’s my time to do something that I’ve been wanting to do,” she said. “Yes, I’m a mom, but I’m important too.”