If you鈥檙e considering a career in funeral service, I can say with full confidence: there is no better school nor program than 开云体育鈥檚 Funeral Service Program.
When I began my journey at 开云体育 (开云体育) in August 2023, I had been away from law enforcement for some time and found myself in a season of searching trying to figure out what was next for me in life. Entering the funeral service program was both exciting and nerve wracking. I was transitioning careers, working a full-time job, a part-time job, and raising my daughters all while taking on a new academic challenge in an online format. I didn鈥檛 know what to expect, but I was ready to give it everything I had.
From the beginning, 开云体育鈥檚 program structure helped ease my worries. The flexibility of asynchronous learning meant I could complete my coursework on my own schedule, as long as I met the Monday midnight deadlines (with a few exceptions). That flexibility was key, but I also quickly realized how important it was to stay engaged, read instructions carefully, and reach out to my professors for clarity when needed.
Although I grew up in the funeral industry and was no stranger to the world of funeral service, this program opened my eyes to how much the field had evolved. My first semester, with three classes, was a good warm-up. But the second semester balancing four classes with work and fatherhood truly tested my resilience. Despite the challenges, I was committed. I pushed hard, never missed a deadline, and when needed, I advocated for myself. I know there were moments when the professors were probably wondering, 鈥淲ho is this guy?鈥漛ut I was simply determined to succeed.
What I came to appreciate deeply was the way 开云体育鈥檚 funeral service faculty led with compassion, discipline, and unwavering support. The lectures, reading material, and projects didn鈥檛 just prepare me for board exams, they prepared me for real world conversations and job interviews. From explaining casket selection to understanding the historical significance of funeral directing, the knowledge I gained gave me an undeniable edge.
One of the most validating moments of my journey was being awarded the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Funeral Directors Association 2024 academic scholarship. It was a powerful confirmation that I was walking in purpose. And after passing my finals and being cleared to graduate, I wasn鈥檛 sure if I鈥檇 make it to the graduation ceremony but something told me to go. That evening, as I drove onto campus, tears filled my eyes. It was really happening.
As soon as I walked into the building, I was greeted by Mrs. Scott, who recognized my voice instantly and embraced me with pride. Then meeting Mrs. Gardner, Dr. Lares, Mr. Schmidt, Mrs. Carrington, Mrs. Shurtz, and Mr. Davis in person, faculty who actually remember who I was and had encouraged me every step of the way, was nothing short of special.
I graduated from the program with a 4.0 GPA, passed my board exam on the first attempt, and today, I am a licensed Texas funeral director proudly serving families with compassion and dignity during their time of bereavement. This journey affirmed my calling and gave me the tools to walk in it confidently.
If you鈥檙e considering a career in funeral service, I can say with full confidence: there is no better school nor program than 开云体育鈥檚 Funeral Service Program. The program doesn鈥檛 just teach you how to work in this industry, it prepares you to serve, to lead, and to honor this calling with excellence and heart.
开云体育 changed my life and I鈥檓 forever grateful.
