Amid school, parenting and work, family and human development grad lands dream job
Family and human development student Hilary Katzenmeier (shown with her four kids) is graduating with a degree, a new career and a changed perspective. Photo courtesy of Hilary Katzenmeier
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Hilary Katzenmeier didn’t expect a single class assignment to give her a brand-new perspective, but that’s exactly what happened during her first semester at ASU’s T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics.
As a single mom of four in Abilene, Kansas, Katzenmeier had more than a full plate — but she was ready to return to school. When she discovered she could attend ASU Online through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, she saw an opportunity to achieve her goals on her own terms.
As an aspiring educator, she was excited to pursue a bachelor’s degree in family and human development through a flexible platform. Still, returning to school while juggling parenting and work came with plenty of uncertainty.
That’s when a class called FAS 101: Personal Growth and Relationships helped things click into place.
“I remember feeling massively overwhelmed,” she said. “The course required us to read ‘Thrive’ by Arianna Huffington, and it turned on a conversation I haven’t been able to stop having with myself — one of self-reflection, reframing success and giving myself time to simply be.”
That moment became an epiphany.
“I began realizing I am in the exact major that I should be,” she said, “and became a better parent, coworker and person because of these studies.”
Katzenmeier went on to immerse herself in the ASU Online community, serving as a teaching assistant for Assistant Teaching Professor Dan Erickson’s social policies course, engaging with peers and deepening her understanding of how policies and systems affect everyday life.
Through it all, she stayed focused on her ultimate goal: becoming a family and consumer sciences teacher in her local school district.
“For the past two years I’ve generated conversations with the district’s superintendent, other educators and simply put into the universe that I will be in the school system in one way or another,” she said.
One day, she stopped by the local school to ask about teaching positions. By chance, the current teacher had submitted her resignation that same day. Katzenmeier interviewed that week — and got the job.
“It was a two-year manifestation of my degree and goals in action,” she says.
Though her journey wasn’t traditional, it was intentional. We caught up with Katzenmeier to reflect on the path that brought her here and where it’s taking her next.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: Something I learned while at ASU that changed my perspective was the fact that there won’t be an answer to every question and sometimes asking them only brings up more questions vs answers. It can be fun and frustrating to learn of social policies that directly affect me and people close to me, or statistics of adolescence that correlate with my oldest son’s life experiences. I am continually surprised by the butterfly effect and the fact that so much is connected. It’s everything and nothing all at the same time.
Q: Shout out a professor who made a big impact on your journey — what did they teach you?
A: There were many people that impacted my life in a big way through this process. Joyce Roman, my success coach, always held me accountable and kept asking the questions necessary to grow and meet challenges. Lisa Barth, my academic advisor, from literally from day 1 has personally invested in me and my success. Dan Erickson taught the social policies course where I realized I care so much about these issues and I can now take realistic steps in making a difference in my community, and I had the pleasure of being his undergraduate TA and learned even more about the grading process, responding to student concerns while maintaining standards and balancing work with home. Becky Ladd’s financial course positively impacted my banking journey and gave me the confidence to invest in myself both personally and professionally.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Be available for yourself. Acknowledging thoughts, feelings and behaviors that create forward momentum towards one’s goals and not getting caught up for too long if they are starting to sound more negative than positive. Many instructors provide opportunities for peace, like Jodi Swanson’s “chocolate meditation.” Use resources, ask questions and show up.
Q: What’s one thing that made you feel connected to ASU while learning online?
A: My favorite spot online that made me feel connected were the discussion and community forums like Yellowdig. Reading other people’s opinions, stories, and essays allowed me to be mentally adaptable and confront my own biases.
Q: What’s one change you’d love to see in the world — and how would you use your degree to help make it happen?
A: One change I would love to see in the world is to accept people as they are. We are all whole, perfect and complete — right now! No change is required within. I remember meditating one day and thinking, “Instead of thinking I need more patience, I need to let go of impatience.” In other words, we aren’t lacking as-is no matter what society tells us. Each student I teach and person I meet will be met where they’re at instead of a provided standard. Using the studies of my degree in family and human development will help make that happen.
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