From Ashland Mom to International Speaker
Ashland Native Shares Her Story to Help Others
Rebecca Hemlock
The Ashland Beacon
Bridget Prichard, Ashland native, wishes to use her story to share a valuable lesson for our citizens. With the current state of things, it can be difficult for us to have dreams and the courage to pursue them, and when we do, sometimes life can send a major story that tosses us around and bruises us. We might even feel like we’ve been knocked off course but, really, life has other plans for us that we might not have dreamed of at the beginning but will make us feel more fulfilled in the end.
Prichard’s story begins during the pursuit of her master’s degree in occupational therapy and clinical studies. She didn’t have long to go to finish her degree when she gave birth to her son and complications prevented her from completing the program. That was when she decided to seek out other career opportunities that would better suit her. Thus, her interest in education began.
Three years of working at Rose Hill Christian School working as the STEM Computer Teacher/Technology Director, Prichard developed a passion for education and using technology to help create teaching resources for others. Her love of education prompted a job change to Instructional Designer at Morehead State University. During her time there, she earned a master’s degree in education and a Doctorate in Educational Technology, while speaking at many statewide conferences.
An unfortunate accident resulting in a broken foot gave Prichard time to study and strengthen her skills in creating education content with AI tools. While things were difficult for her while her foot was broken, Prichard wasn’t about to give up and did whatever she had to, making sure she remained dedicated to pursuing her dreams. “Despite my cast and crutches I continued to present at conferences and even defended my Doctoral dissertation on crutches. “
During this time, she attended the 2023 Anthology Together Conference, which sparked the next goal in her journey. Anthology Together is one of the largest International Educational Technology Conferences in the U.S., owning educational tools such as Blackboard, and was something Prichard desperately wanted to be part of.
Prichard became known for her excellent skills in her field, so she was encouraged by others to submit a proposal to be a presenter at the next Anthology Together Conference. She shared, “I worked on my proposals for months and finally submitted them in December 2023. I was very hopeful but knew it was a long shot. I ultimately submitted two separate proposals trying to hopefully increase my chances of being selected.” Much to her surprise, both proposals were selected and would be featured as Edtalks.
Prichard’s story can be viewed as an excellent example to our citizens that encourages us to follow our dreams. “I was absolutely heartbroken in 2019 when I was not able to obtain my dream of being an OT, but it was because of that redirection and set back that I ended up where I am today.” Prichard admitted.
Prichard uses her career struggles in her parenting to teach her son the importance of pushing toward goals to grow as a person and as a professional, even with life seems to be pushing back.
“I hope my story can encourage anyone going through a redirection in their life and I also hope to encourage more young women to take the chance in a STEM field. I am currently living my dream, and I hope to continue to work my way to hopefully being a professional keynote speaker.” Prichard shared.
Such dedication, perseverance, and hard work can lead to amazing opportunities and take you to places you never expected to go.
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