Graduating debt-free, Sarah Halil proves what’s possible for single mothers
March 25, 2026
by Molly Urnek
Just 28% of single mothers earn a college degree, and more than half leave school before earning a credential, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
Sarah Halil is not part of that statistic.
As a risk and compliance analyst, Halil saw emerging technologies reshaping her field and enrolled in the master’s program in business analytics and information systems at USF.
“Being a single mom gives me a strong sense of purpose,” Halil says. “I want my daughter to see what hard work looks like and to keep going even when things aren’t easy.”
Halil faced significant challenges: raising a child alone, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, working full time and studying in a field brand new to her. She relied on grit to persevere.
“I’d take my laptop to birthday parties and swim practices, wake up at 5 a.m. and study on weekends,” she recalls.
When she felt like giving up, professors like Han Reichgelt offered reassurance.
“Many professionals in non-tech fields can blend their interest in technology with areas they are already experienced in,” Reichgelt says.
In 2023, Halil graduated debt-free, thanks in part to the Lorri Anne Carpenter Scholarship, which was established by a gift made in Carpenter’s estate plan to support business and journalism students at USF.
Most importantly, Halil set an example for her daughter.
“I hope she remembers watching me and prioritizes her own future,” Halil says. “I always tell her, ‘Your education and your career are yours — no one can take them away.’”