Laurie Jacoby works as a budget analyst at Eastern New Mexico University while earning her master's degree in business administration.

She was born into a military family so she moved frequently during childhood. She had a brother and two sisters to keep her company. Her mother passed away when she was 18 months old, so her grandparents watched her while her dad was away for the Air Force until he later remarried.

She considers home to be where her friends and family are. Her family is "scattered," but she makes friends "everywhere she goes."

She saw and learned a lot growing up because of her dad's military lifestyle, which broadened her perspective on the world. She explains that there are both pros and cons to that lifestyle because there is a trade-off that takes place. She never got to experience the "roots that folks living in one place grow," but she got to have other opportunities instead.

She considers home to be where her friends and family are. Her family is "scattered," but she makes friends "everywhere she goes." She saw and learned a lot growing up because of her dad's military lifestyle, which broadened her perspective on the world. She explains that there are both pros and cons to that lifestyle because there is a trade-off that takes place. She never got to experience the "roots that folks living in one place grow," but she got to have other opportunities instead.

She saw and learned a lot growing up because of her dad's military lifestyle, which broadened her perspective on the world. She explains that there are both pros and cons to that lifestyle because there is a trade-off that takes place. She never got to experience the "roots that folks living in one place grow," but she got to have other opportunities instead.

She was born into a military family so she moved frequently during childhood. She had a brother and two sisters to keep her company. Her mother passed away when she was 18 months old, so her grandparents watched her while her dad was away for the Air Force until he later remarried. She considers home to be where her friends and family are. Her family is "scattered," but she makes friends "everywhere she goes." She saw and learned a lot growing up because of her dad's military lifestyle, which broadened her perspective on the world. She explains that there are both pros and cons to that lifestyle because there is a trade-off that takes place. She never got to experience the "roots that folks living in one place grow," but she got to have other opportunities instead.

She saw and learned a lot growing up because of her dad's military lifestyle, which broadened her perspective on the world. She explains that there are both pros and cons to that lifestyle because there is a trade-off that takes place. She never got to experience the "roots that folks living in one place grow," but she got to have other opportunities instead.

She fondly remembers being close with her father. When he was home, her dad would rub her back as she fell asleep at night. Laurie has spent most of her life in Florida and

Laurie has spent most of her life in Florida and Texas, but now resides in Portales, New Mexico, so she can work and study at ENMU. She earned her associate degree in 1977 and received a bachelor's in accounting information systems with a minor in finance in 1992. She started a second bachelor's in environmental horticulture, but had to stop when "life got in the way." She hopes to graduate with her master's in 2018. The budget analyst's first job was in Eastern's College of Business.

She earned her associate degree in 1977 and received a bachelor's in accounting information systems with a minor in finance in 1992. She started a second bachelor's in environmental horticulture, but had to stop when "life got in the way." She hopes to graduate with her master's in 2018. The budget analyst's first job was in Eastern's College of Business.

The budget analyst's first job was in Eastern's College of Business.

"Every one of the professors I had were located there. I really enjoyed talking to them," she said. "I'd try to keep a low profile until near the end of the semester, so they wouldn't have any preconceived notions about me, but I usually ended up chatting with them anyway, because I just like learning new stuff. My isolation existed until my first question."

She started going for her master's degree because she gets one free course per semester as an employee.

"Who could pass that up?" she said. "Staying in school keeps me fresh. I learn so much." The graduate student has earned straight A's since beginning the program four years ago. She hasn't officially made

The graduate student has earned straight A's since beginning the program four years ago. She hasn't officially made the Dean's List because she takes one course per semester, but has made the grades for it. She will finish her degree after passing just three more classes.

"I'm not in it for the honors though, just the love of learning," she said. "I have to keep my mind active. Once I have an MBA, I'm sure it will open doors, if I want to open those doors, but this place is just too awesome, not only to attend school, but also as a place to work."

According to Laurie, her goal is to finish her degree and learn to be an outstanding employee.

"Right now I want to do what I am doing and be excellent at my job. I was told the job takes several years to learn well and I'm only just past year one," she said.

She loves Eastern's campus and the atmosphere it provides, in addition to the college's friendly faces.

"The folks here are great. The administration really cares about the employees, as well as the students," she said. "The cost is very low. The campus is beautiful. ‘Student Success' is no joke."

Outside of school and work, she enjoys photography, reading and gardening. She first became interested in photography when her parents "dragged her and her siblings around Europe" and ensured they each had a camera.

She also wants to see her kids and grandkids as often as possible. She has one in Maine, two in Alabama, one in Arizona and one in Clovis, New Mexico. Her advice to future students is to "never give up.

"Even if it takes longer than you think it should, don't give up on your dreams and goals."