CHINQUAPIN — For University of Mount Olive student and Chinquapin resident Brittney Gilbert, the path to higher education has been anything but traditional.

As she works toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), she hopes to inspire and support children who, like her, face challenges within traditional educational models.

Gilbert’s educational journey began with hardship.

As a high school student, Gilbert struggled to keep up with her peers due to her learning style, which did not fit the conventional classroom model.

Feeling defeated, she ultimately decided to drop out. However, her story did not end there.

Gilbert later decided to build a better future by pursuing her GED at James Sprunt Community College.

This time, she approached learning on her own terms, developing a study routine that suited her needs.

Her success in obtaining a GED fueled her confidence and reignited her passion for education, leading her to enroll at UMO in the summer of 2023. She is set to graduate in the fall of 2026.

Now, at age 30, Gilbert is a mother of three — Brantley (10), Masen (8), and Noah (5)—and a wife to her husband, Zacchary, also a UMO student who is majoring in cybersecurity.

When asked how she balances the demands of family, work, and academics, she indicated that strong time management skills and adaptability are the keys to her success.

“Life is constantly changing, and being flexible allows me to stay productive and effective,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert credits her father, Leroy Sanderson, as one of the most significant influences in her life.

She describes him as a guiding light who has inspired her through every challenge she has faced.

No matter the obstacles, he demonstrated resilience and determination, instilling in Gilbert the belief that anything is possible with hard work and integrity.

His unwavering support encouraged her to pursue her passions fearlessly, emphasizing the importance of commitment and honesty—values that continue to shape her personal and professional journey.

Gilbert’s passion for education stems from her deep love for working with children.

She finds joy in their curiosity and eagerness to learn, which fuels her commitment to early childhood education.

“Each day brings a fresh wave of curiosity as children pose profound questions that reflect their desire to understand the world around them,” Gilbert explained.

Her goal is to become an elementary school teacher, where she can create a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment.

She also aims to advocate for early childhood education and involve families in their children’s learning experiences.

UMO’s supportive online learning environment was crucial in Gilbert’s enrollment decision.

Encouraged by a cousin who was also a student, Gilbert found that UMO provided the flexibility she needed to balance education with her other commitments.

Since beginning her studies, Gilbert has achieved academic success, making the President’s List twice—an accomplishment she never thought possible after her earlier school struggles.

With graduation in sight, Gilbert dreams of her future classroom where children feel valued and supported, regardless of their learning abilities or backgrounds.

“Seeing the spark in children’s eyes when they grasp a new concept fuels my commitment to education,” Gilbert said. “I want to ensure every child in my classroom has a strong foundation for future academic and personal success.”