Courtney Horvath, dry cleaner at St. Michael's Laundry, is a lifelong learner, always looking to better herself and those around her. She talks about what led her to pursue her degree and how her decision has positively impacted her family and her role at Notre Dame.
Where did you go for your degree, what is your degree in, and how did you ultimately choose which college you attended?
I attended Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend, where I earned an Associate Degree in Library Science as well as a General Education Certificate, a Library Technical Assistant Certificate, and the Indiana Library Technical Assistant Certification. I chose Ivy Tech because it offered the specific program I was passionate about, while also being both local and cost-effective.
What was the moment or reason you decided to pursue your degree and how did your family react to that decision?
After becoming a single mom, I knew I needed to be more. I wanted to show my daughter that I could do something meaningful for both of us. My family was really supportive, which made the decision a lot easier.
What was the most challenging part of your college experience?
One challenge I faced was being a later-in-life learner. A lot of my basic classes were filled with students who had just finished high school, so at first, I felt a bit out of place and rusty since I hadn’t been in school for quite a while. On top of that, juggling school and being a single parent definitely had its tough moments—but I found my rhythm over time.
How did you translate your degree and experience into your current role?
One thing I really took away from my degree was the focus on how to find and use information and resources effectively. In my current role as the dry cleaner at St. Michael’s Laundry, that’s helped me think outside of the box when it comes to finding better ways to do my job. The emphasis on newer technology, computers, and programs also gave me a solid foundation, so I felt ready to hit the ground running when I started. When new technology or systems are introduced, I’m usually quick to adapt—and I enjoy helping others learn and adjust to the changes too.
What is an unexpected way your college degree has impacted your life or the life of your family?
One unexpected thing was how quickly I grew in my job and took on more responsibilities at St. Michael’s Laundry. I’ve also grown a lot personally—I gained confidence in myself because I accomplished something I never thought I would. Another really rewarding surprise was how proud my daughter is that I went back to school and earned my degree. She’s now attending Indiana University Bloomington, and I believe my journey has inspired her to stay committed to her own higher education goals.
What advice would you give someone who is unsure about attending college and would be the first one in their family to do so?
I’m probably going to sound like a Nike ad, but honestly, just do it. I know it’s tough, scary, and can really shake up your daily routine, but the payoff is totally worth it. One of the best parts for me was hearing my daughter tell me how proud she is—and how she loves bragging about the fact that I have this degree. And hey, college might not be the perfect fit for everyone, but even just taking a few classes—whether it’s math, cooking, or a second language—can open so many doors you didn’t expect.
What is your favorite part about your job and working for the University of Notre Dame?
One of my favorite things about my job is the challenge. I often get thrown some pretty off-the-wall situations, and I really enjoy figuring out those puzzles. I also value the opportunities for growth and the connections I’ve been able to build with the University along the way.