Hometown: Los Angeles
Age: 49
Was: TV producer and reporter
Why I did it: Conlan gave up a career in TV to raise her children full-time. When she was ready to return to work, a friend suggested speech language pathology.
"I took one class to get my feet wet and before I knew it, I dove headfirst into a demanding study schedule," she recalls.
Now working for the L.A. school district, she considers the flexibility a plus. "I can take off for vacation and holidays at the same time as my children."
How I did it: To finance her masters, Conlan used scholarships, loans and part-time work.
"Going back to school is like taking out the cobwebs in the brain. But when you go back as an adult with a purpose, you can really set your mind to something."
Why I love it: "It is a fulfilling career that helps people communicate better, which is a basic human need. I wake up every morning excited to go to work."
NEXT: Kimberly Resnick
