UA Little Rock Student Balances Service, Family, and School

Balee Pennington is raising two children, balancing military life, and using every spare moment she has to pursue a college degree. This spring, the first-generation student will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and plans to begin a master’s program this summer.

Pennington is originally from Eagletown, Oklahoma, and later moved to Prescott, Arkansas, her husband’s hometown. When choosing a university, flexibility mattered most.

“I chose UA Little Rock because it offered a flexible online program that fit my life,” she said. “It allowed me to pursue my degree without putting my responsibilities as a Marine and a parent on hold.”

For Pennington, who is earning a degree in middle childhood education, graduation is about more than academics.

“It means breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and giving my family something to be proud of,” she said. “I wanted to show that you are not defined by your past—you can break generational cycles.”

Balancing military service, family life, and school required structure and discipline. Her days were focused on her duties in the Marine Corps, followed by time with her children in the evening. Once they were settled, she turned to schoolwork.

“My weeks were all about time management, planning ahead, and staying disciplined,” she said. “I often reminded myself that you can’t pour from an empty cup—and that hard work pays off.”

There were challenges along the way, especially trying to manage everything at once.

“There were times when it felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day,” she said. “I stayed organized, set priorities, and reminded myself why I started. The support from my husband and my own determination kept me going.”

In addition to completing her degree, Pennington earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and maintained a high GPA.

“Consistency and discipline were key,” she said. “My biggest motivation was being someone my children would be proud to call their mom.”

She said her experience in the Marine Corps shaped how she approached school.

“It taught me discipline, resilience, and accountability,” she said. “Those values carried into my education and helped me stay focused.”

As she looks ahead to graduate school at UA Little Rock, where she seeks a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Pennington is ready for what’s next.

“I’m excited to keep growing and building on everything I’ve worked for,” she said. “I also want to show my children that learning never stops.”