When Lisa Struebing was in her twenties, she made a promise to her mother: she would finish the college degree that she’d started and set aside. Life had other plans — and continued to for decades. This May, she’ll walk across the stage at commencement, a two time graduate from the University of Southern Maine, to receive her second degree: a BS in Physics. A promise kept, better late than never.
Q:
Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from, what brought you to Maine, and what are you studying?
A:
I never lived more than 40 miles from the hospital in Wisconsin that I was born at, until I moved to Maine in the summer of 2009. I worked at IDEXX in Wisconsin and moved to Maine with my husband for his promotion at IDEXX. I stayed with IDEXX until 2014 when I left to start my Instructional Design business. I’ve dreamed of living in New England since the first time I saw Diane Keaton in Baby Boom — that quintessential yellow cape with white trim. I now live in Maine in a small yellow cape with white trim. It’s where I’m supposed to be. And this May, I am walking proudly for my BS in Physics.
Q:
Going back to school as an adult takes real courage. What made you decide to pursue your degree?
A:
In 2002, my mother asked me to promise that I would finish the college degree I had started right after high school in 1987. At the time, I had a scholarship, but I also needed to work full-time to support myself. Like it does for many people, life got complicated, and finishing my degree was put on hold. When Mom passed away, I threw myself into working 60 hours a week, so I didn’t have to deal with it.
Then for years, as I got older, returning to school full-time just didn’t seem possible. But in 2015, I realized I had run out of excuses. I needed to honor that promise, to my mother and to myself. That’s when I enrolled in the mathematics program at USM.
Q:
Was there a moment that felt like a real turning point for you?
A:
That moment for me was seeing my final grades for my first degree. It was a moment of real pride — proof that I had followed through on something that, for a long time, had felt out of reach.
Not long after that, as I am known to do, I started asking my husband, “What’s next?” I initially planned to pursue biology, but an introductory physics course changed everything. The energy in that classroom was unforgettable. My professor demonstrated concepts by suspending himself from the ceiling with a pulley system. That experience sparked something. I switched to physics and haven’t looked back. In fact, I have looked further. I’m passionate about Computational Astrophysics and Data Science.
Q:
You work with TRIO, a program that supports first-generation and low-income college students. What has that experience meant to you?
A:
As a first-generation college student, I experienced many of the same challenges TRIO students face — especially imposter syndrome and not having the familial resources or experience. When I returned to school, I felt out of place. I was older than most of my classmates and hesitant to ask questions after being away from academics for so long.
My second semester in, I made a conscious decision to become more engaged on campus and more confident in the classroom. They weren’t just going to give me a degree; I had to work for and earn it. Working with TRIO gave me the opportunity to support students facing those same challenges. I believe strongly in leading by example, so if I encourage students to ask questions, seek help, and show up fully, I make sure I’m doing the same myself.
Q:
What does a typical week look like for you? How have you managed to balance it all?
A:
When I first returned, my weeks were intense — long days on campus, evenings spent doing homework on the living room floor, while also running my business and being present with my husband at home. It was a lot to manage.
In 2018, I found a position with TRIO that allowed me to stay connected to campus while supporting myself financially. That shift changed everything. I went from keeping my head down and trying to stay invisible to actively engaging with the campus community, talking to people, asking questions, and building confidence as a student.
Today, things look a bit different. I completed my BA in Mathematics in 2018 and my BS in Physics in December 2025. I’m currently applying to USM’s Master’s program in Statistics while continuing my internship with the UNH COSMOS neutron monitoring project. I also serve as an elected official in Standish. It’s still a full plate, but I’m always learning new management skills.
Q:
What do you wish someone had told you before you started? What would you say to an adult who’s on the fence?
A:
I wish someone had told me that you can be your own biggest obstacle. Self-doubt, fear, and hesitation can hold you back more than anything else. It’s okay to have moments of vulnerability and uncertainty — but don’t stay there. You must learn from your setbacks, because there are sure to be some. Adjust, and keep moving forward.
To any adult considering returning to school: you don’t need permission. You just need to decide you’re ready. It may not be easy, but you’ve already faced challenges in life and made it through. This is no different, and the sense of accomplishment is so worth it.
Q:
You’re walking at Commencement this spring for your BS in Physics. What does that feel like?
A:
IThis one means a lot. It was hard-earned and came with more challenges than the first. For me, it represents more than finishing a program — it’s proof that my determination and curiosity are still there, that I can keep learning and growing. And yes, I’m absolutely walking. My husband Chris is my partner and support system, and 50% of how I get to do what I do. We’ve both made big sacrifices for each other to get to where we are. We are doing this life together, and I plan to celebrate that moment with him.
Q:
What’s next for you?
A:
I don’t see myself ever stopping learning — that’s a constant. Right now, I’m working on turning my capstone into a publishable research paper and exploring grant opportunities to support my research and graduate studies. I’m working toward enrollment in USM’s Master’s program in Statistics this fall. Alongside that, I’ll continue my work with TRIO, my internship, and my role on the town council. It’s a busy path forward, but I’m comfortable with that — it’s easier to keep an object moving than to restart.
Bonus: What song have you had on repeat lately?
The River
Garth Brooks
