For Dr. Susan Malekpour, receiving her doctorate degree of education with her husband and children there watching has been her greatest accomplishment to date.

“The knowledge that I bettered my life and theirs by attaining my doctoral degree is a success that cannot be measured with words,” said Malekpour. Currently the senior director of institutional effectiveness at American InterContinental University, she attributes her success to her family’s support.

Growing up in Persia, modern-day Iran, her father and sister were major influences on her life.

“They taught me to always be independent, particularly my father,” said Malekpour. “He always reinforced that any task anyone could do, I could do it better. This mentality has stuck with me as I’ve grown in my career, and I have them to thank for instilling self-confidence in me.”

Malekpour left home at a young age to attend school in the United States. As an immigrant, she faced culture shock and the unavoidable fact that English was not her first language. Over time, she learned to adjust and became fluent in English. She continued pursuing her education at Northern Illinois University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in medical technology and master’s degree in microbiology. For years, she worked in various hospitals and clinics until she returned to school to earn her doctorate degree in education.

Although her own family’s support drove her to achieve her goals, she believes the biggest obstacle women face in acquiring a college education can often be their family.

“Women earning a college education, particularly older women, need their family’s support,” says Malekpour. “It would be easy to stay at home and raise children, but women are capable of more than that, and I don’t believe enough families and husbands provide the needed support.”

She advises any woman who may be considering going back to school to build a support system of family and friends.

Looking to the future, Malekpour plans to stay true to her father’s advice: Be the best. She is striving to be the best in education and learn as much knowledge as possible to better herself in her career.

When asked what single inspirational message she would like to share with WomenACHIEVE readers, she responded, “Your goals can be personal, but ultimately, the best lived life is a life that benefits others. Think of those around you, how you can benefit their lives, and what your next challenge can be, after you reach your goal.”