There may not be always be a perfect time to pursue a dream, but as Andria Sims (’17) has proven, it is always possible.

Sims had one goal in mind after moving to Denton in 1996 – to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNT. News that she was expecting her first child that same year led to an unexpected change in those plans though, as she and her husband decided to relocate to Breckenridge, Texas to start their family.

After years of putting her dreams on hold, Sims continued to stay driven. In 2012 she was promoted to Corporate Accountant at Petroleum Exploration Company, Ltd., the company she began working for in 2009; and in 2013 she was presented with an opportunity she couldn’t ignore.

“When I had the opportunity in 2013 to go back to school, I wanted more than anything to get my degree from UNT – it was a lifelong goal,” said Sims.

Despite there being a 2 hour and 5 minute drive that stood between her and campus, Sims would not let that stand in her way. Her original intent was to earn her bachelor’s degree, but upon learning about the college’s 150-hour BS/MS accounting degree, she decided to push herself even further.

“I’m very grateful that my boss (and his boss) were so supportive and willing to let me extend my commitment to UNT so I could finish with my master’s and all of the hours I needed for the CPA exam,” said Sims.

And in May of 2017, Sims did just that. After four years of busy schedules, hard work and long drives, she was able to walk across the stage with a 4.0 GPA in both her undergraduate and master’s degree.

Sims’ now three teenage daughters may have been looking down at her from the Coliseum’s stands at commencement, but they will forever look up to her as a role model from that day forward.

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Today, Sims continues to excel at Petroleum Exploration Company, but now with a hard-earned master’s degree in hand. Sims’ work ethic and drive are not common in today’s workplace, but are a common attribute to the students that walk the halls of UNT every day.

We look forward to the many achievements she is destined to continue pursuing in the coming years.