Spillman with her family
Francesca and Gabriel.
Everything happens for a reason In 2011, Spillman’s older brother,
Alfredo – who now lives in Italy – visited her in Perry. Although very proud of her accomplishments as a wife and mother, he knew his sister had the potential to do more and suggested she go back to school to further her education. “At the time, I could not wrap my
mind around how I could do this,” Spillman said. “He knew I had potential and wanted me to achieve more, but I wanted to be home to support my family.”
After her brother’s visit, Spillman took a short interest in becoming a nurse, but decided it was not a good fit. She put her plans to go to college on hold and continued a housecleaning service to supplement her family income. As Spillman will tell you, everything happens for a reason. During her time as a housekeeper, she met Patricia Tucker, a newfound client who would change her life forever. One day when
“It is a mountain to climb to get a CPA license, but it’s attainable, and I’m learning from others along the way."
– Francesca Spillman
cleaning Tucker’s house, the two had a conversation that sparked Spillman to take her life in a new direction. “She had only known me for a few
weeks and told me I had the potential to do more,” Spillman said. “We met on the street, and here I am thinking a total stranger is interested in my well-being. Here I am, her housekeeper. Tis was
amazing to me.” With Tucker’s inspiration lingering in her mind, Spillman had the epiphany she needed to make a change. “I decided I didn’t want to be a housekeeper for the rest of my life,” Spillman said. “While cleaning a client’s bathroom, I decided I was going to earn a college degree.” She immediately began researching
to figure out exactly what was needed to start this new journey. Research turned to action – Spillman took the ACT, applied to OSU and enrolled as a business student with an undeclared major. In the fall semester of 2016, she would officially become a college student, pursuing her dream to earn a degree. Tucker – or Ma Tucker as Spillman
now calls her – and her husband Roger, stayed by Spillman’s side every step of the way. Spillman remembers preparing for her first semester at OSU. Roger printed out a campus map and Patricia showed the newly-enrolled student exactly where each of her classes would be. She also
July/August 2021 CPAFOCUS 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
