MEXICO — Melanie Prescott was overwhelmed Saturday when she received her bachelor of science degree at the University of Maine at Augusta.

For the past five years, the Dixfield woman has been attending classes at University College at Rumford/Mexico, while juggling her children’s needs, caring for an ill mother, keeping up her home and volunteering.

She was one of 36 graduates, most of them also nontraditional and who received most of their course work at the local college.

Returning to school was a big decision, she said, but one that was supported by her husband, Barry, her children, and a very special aunt, Joanne Bouchard.

“She pushed me. She agreed to take a class with me so I’d go back to school,” Prescott, 38, said.

A Dixfield resident for more than 15 years, Prescott graduated from Mountain Valley High School in 1991.

She began thinking about going to college after she left a job at a local newspaper. Her passion was to help people who may not have anyone to assist them through life’s problems.

The economy was one factor in returning to school. Another, even more important one, was the emotional and financial support she received from her husband, she said.

“I had thought about part-time (in school), but my husband said go ahead with full time,” she said.

After five years, she has received a degree in justice studies with a minor in advocacy, and earned certification as a paralegal.

To build her resume for the job search, and because she believes in helping people, particularly through the legal system, she volunteers as a child advocate and with the Volunteer Lawyer Project.

“If someone doesn’t have a lawyer, he or she may not fare as well. Having a lawyer can give a better outcome that makes a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

She is also adamant about child advocacy.

“A child needs to know that somebody cares. It makes a child care about himself,” she said. “That’s what drives me to do what I do.”

She has also been actively involved with University College at Rumford/Mexico as president of the student association and as a volunteer.

“You get to know other students and we learn from each other,” she said.

Her husband and family — three sons and two stepdaughters — threw her a graduation party after the big event last week.

“All five were there. They made me cry,” she said. “The little guy (Noah, age 6) brought me flowers.”

Graduation from college has also set a good example for her children, as well as for others thinking about returning to school.

As for anyone thinking of making a big change in their lives, she said, “Just do it. People over think sometimes.”

She feels particularly blessed to have a supportive husband.

“He has been my godsend. I could not have done it without him,” she said.

The entire class from University College at Rumford/Mexico will celebrate graduation as a group on Saturday with a special dinner and other activities at a local lodge.

Again, Prescott said her husband, aunt, children and perhaps others, will be at the dinner.

“I wouldn’t trade what I’ve done for anything. It shows the kids how important education is,” she said.