Like a typical McCombs student Kristal Braley is used to juggling a lot of activities: classes, exams, student organizations, and work. Only in Kristal’s case she keeps all the balls in the air with one hand: in the other hand she holds her three year old son, Bryce. Being a single mother and an involved McCombs student requires advanced skills in time management and a lot of hard work.

Working hard comes naturally to Kristal. The North Dakota native started working when she was 14 years old to gain some financial independence from her parents. Soon she was working 40 hours a week. Being independent and self-sufficient has always been important to Kristal. She was the only girl in her automotive and shop classes in high school. “I like to learn many different things, especially when other people say ‘No, you can’t’,” says Kristal.

The words “No, you can’t” would also become a powerful motivator to apply to college. College had never been on her mind: her parents didn’t have any college experience and her many jobs had taken a toll on her GPA. So she continued to work, often three jobs at a time. One of them came from Kristal’s love of football which landed her a gig with the Green Bay Packers’ Tailgating Tour. Her outstanding work ethic and great people skills made her financially quite successful but still left her wanting more: a college degree to be able to advance. And there it was again, the “No, you can’t!” from employers, friends and parents. And that’s when Kristal really got started.

After earning a 4.0 GPA at a technical college in Madison, she was ready for the big league: an application to McCombs. Why business and why Texas? Kristal explains: “Whatever your passion, a business degree can get you there. And why Texas? I researched many business schools. McCombs was my natural choice: excellent academics, great resources and high rankings. And football!” When she moved to Austin, she didn’t come alone. She had a little passenger in her car when she crossed the country to come to Austin: her three month old son Bryce.

With the start of classes at McCombs the juggling act really began: classes, homework, group projects, work, and Bryce. Finding and paying daycare posed the biggest challenge. Funds in general were so limited that Kristal started thinking about dropping out. Thanks to the support of the organization “The Nurturing Center” she made it through these tough times. At first Kristal thought she could do it all but after a year she realized: “One thing had to drop: My grades, my work or my son.” She stopped working, took on student loans and now was able to fully take advantage of all opportunities that McCombs offered.

Her favorite classes include Strategic Human Resources and Leadership Issues with Prof. Kristi Loescher. Another highlight was Prof. Brian Lendecky’s Accounting Practicum class that allows students to become volunteer tax preparers at low-income neighborhoods.

“Group projects and team meetings posed a challenge. But I invited my teams to my home or brought Bryce to the group meetings. My team members were cool with that and really enjoyed my son,” says Kristal. She took time to serve on the College Tuition and Budget Committee and they made Bryce an honorary member. He was also Kristal’s date for her ring ceremony this semester. And they both were featured in the McCombs Today article What makes you happy?

As graduation approaches and job applications start, this management major is excited to explore opportunities in Human Resources. Her plans for the future include coming back to campus to pursue a graduate degree. But right now graduation first: She will celebrate with her family and most of all with her son Bryce. “This is just as much his day as it is mine,” Kristal says. Congratulations, Kristal and Bryce!