Honors Student Spotlight: Samantha Bartkowiak, Bachelor of Science in Accounting
For as long as she can remember, Samantha Bartkowiak has liked working with numbers. In high school, she planned to pursue a career in accounting, but life took an unexpected turn when she became a mother during her senior year. “I still maintained my grades and graduated with honors,” says Samantha, who grew up in Taylor, Michigan. Determined to build a future for herself and her family, she enrolled in a career college and earned a business diploma.
Two Decades in Transportation and Logistics
Samantha got her start as a bookkeeper and payroll and accounts receivable specialist in the transportation industry before joining a logistics company. For the next 19 years, she coordinated freight shipments, tracked deliveries, managed invoicing, and kept operations running smoothly. However, an unexpected layoff put her in a position she hadn’t been in for many years: searching for her next opportunity.
Despite her years of experience, she found the job market challenging without a college degree. “It seemed like I was overqualified for some positions and underqualified for others because I didn’t have the education on my resume,” she says. “It made me rethink everything, and eventually, that’s what pushed me to go to college.”
Finding Post University
Samantha explored online degree programs in late 2024 and connected with Post University. “I got a good impression right away,” she says. “The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program sounded great, and everyone I talked to made me feel comfortable. They were patient with me, and that meant a lot.”
In early 2025, Samantha enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Post University. Returning to school nearly 30 years after earning her business diploma took some adjustment, but she has embraced the experience wholeheartedly. “I’ve always loved learning,” she says. “I am soaking up everything my classes and professors teach me. I thought I knew a lot about accounting, but I’m discovering so much more. It’s been a fun challenge, and I’m learning something new every day.”
Building a New Future
After she finishes her bachelor’s degree in a few years, Samantha hopes to return to the workforce as an accountant. Long term, she’d like to open her own accounting business, providing free or low-cost tax and accounting services to veterans, senior citizens, and low-income families. “That idea actually came from one of my former bosses,” she says. “We talked about how people who can’t afford it shouldn’t have to pay so much to have their taxes done.”
Today, Samantha is excelling in her coursework and was recently invited to join the Post University’s Honors Program. She has four adult children—two with special needs—which makes her appreciate the flexibility of online learning. “If you’re a parent or someone who works full time, you can structure school around your schedule,” she says. “I am pushing myself to succeed for them. I want to set that example of never giving up on yourself.”
Just as important, going back to college has boosted Samantha’s confidence and renewed her outlook on the future. “Being a student has proven to me that I can do anything I set my mind to,” she says. “I have a 3.82 GPA and I’m so proud of that. Post has opened my mind to a whole new world of possibilities. I feel like I’m on a better path—the one I am meant to be on.”