For Misty Shirah, returning to Eastern Florida State College was a personal milestone rooted in passion for her community.
“I started pretty late in life with my college career,” she said. “I finally learned what I really want to do.”
After years of working in the private sector, including retail management and insurance sales, Shirah made the leap to public service in 2017. Driven by a desire for stability and benefits for her growing family, this move also sparked something deeper: a passion for public administration. Today Shirah serves as the Manager of Development Services for Brevard County Planning and Development, overseeing contractor licenses and building permits.
This passion led her to EFSC, where she began her academic journey with an Associate in Science (A.S.) in Business Administration.
At first, she aimed to only get her associate in science degree to become a manager, but as she progressed, she set her sights on opportunities that required a bachelor’s degree.
A Non-Traditional Path, Made Possible
Navigating the transition from an A.S. to a bachelor’s degree meant Shirah needed to complete additional general education requirements. That’s where EFSC’s advising team stepped in.
“I really have to credit the advisors at EFSC,” she said. “My advisor was amazing. She put together a plan that paired A.S. classes with bachelor’s classes so I wouldn’t fall behind.”
With that plan in place, Shirah began taking two classes per semester — one A.S. and one bachelor’s — while on-track to graduate by 2027. The flexibility and personalized support she received at EFSC was the deciding factor when she considered whether to transfer to a state university.
“My advisor made me feel supported,” said Shirah. “That’s what made me return to and stay at Eastern Florida State College for my bachelor’s degree.”
Online Learning that Works
For Shirah, online learning has been a game-changer for her busy schedule, which made attending in-person classes impossible. EFSC’s online platform gave her the flexibility she needed without sacrificing quality.
“I love the agenda feature,” she said. “I can follow my coursework, know what’s due, and work at my own pace while still meeting deadlines.”
Even math, which she once struggled with, has become a strength.
“I used to be the mom my kids couldn’t go to for help with math,” she said. “Now I can sit down and help them. That’s been awesome.”
Looking Ahead: A Master’s Degree and Beyond
Misty’s return to college doesn’t end with her bachelor’s degree. Thanks to EFSC’s tuition reimbursement partnership with Brevard County, she’s eyeing a future Master’s in Public Administration.
“I’m already thinking about my master’s,” she said. “The County has a new program with FIT, and I’m ready to sign up.”
Meanwhile, she continues to excel in her role as Manager of Development Services with Brevard County. Shirah takes pride in the accomplishments of her contractors — many of whom navigate complex licensing processes while juggling families and full-time jobs.
“They have to take a proctored exam, and many of them aren’t used to testing,” she explained. “I tell them, ‘I’m an online student, too. I have kids and work full-time. If I can do it, you can do it!’”
Through issuing licenses, Shirah helps people build businesses, support families, and contribute to the local economy.
“I want to ring a bell every time someone gets their license. It’s such a moment of pride — for them and for me.”
Shirah believes that “everyone has a story,” and EFSC has played a major role in hers, providing guidance and building confidence toward her goals.
“Everything I’m learning in class goes hand-in-hand with what I’m doing professionally for the County,” she said. “I have never felt so supported as I have at EFSC.”
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