National Distance Learning Week
We want to generate awareness and appreciation for distance learning within our Wichita State Community the week of November 14-18. In honor of this week, we will be recognizing online students who have been nominated by their online academic advisors for the great strides they have made to accomplish their goals.
Meet John!
Hello all, my name is John Hull and I am a marketing major from Edmond, Oklahoma. I am the oldest of four boys in my family, and strive to be a great example for each of them. I love to play basketball, watch basketball, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. When I’m not doing any of these things, you can probably find me sleeping on the nearest couch available.
Why did you choose an online program?
The reason I chose an online program is because it allowed me to pursue employment opportunities and be closer to family in Edmond, Oklahoma without sacrificing my education. Through an online program, my goal of receiving a marketing degree didn’t have to be put on hold.
What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?
The most important benefit provided to me by my online program was the flexibility it gave to further my career. I was able to work as a full-time employee while also obtaining a great education.
What is your current position at work and what do you plan to achieve with your online degree?
Currently, I work as a licensed relationship banker at J.P. Morgan Chase, serving clients with their financial needs. With my online degree, I hope to one day move into the commercial sector of banking with the knowledge that I’ve gained from Wichita State.
Meet Darah!
I am a mom to 3-year-old daughter, a freelance writer, and on-air personality with a current home base of Wichita, KS. I am also an event and volunteer coordinator for the Great Plains Nature Center. I've been working in the radio and live entertainment realm for 20 years! In my free time, I am a stand-up comedy enthusiast, avid listener of all music genres.
What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?
Working in an online setting as a full time student allowed me to also care for my daughter and continue to work to support us. The flexibility is priceless!
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
My advice for prospective online students is to interact- Even when you aren't meeting face to face, online interaction in the form of emails to classmates or professors, discussion boards, and open-Zoom hours can be extremely valuable in keeping your stress level low and your workload organized. Online classes require a lot of discipline and peer to peer interaction helps to keep everyone on the same page.
How do you balance work, family, and school?
I try my best to balance work, family, and school by leaning on a strong support system. I have incredible friends and family who step in to help with my daughter, help to relieve some stress, and they remind me to keep it all in perspective. This is all so worthwhile.
Meet Julie!
I am an assistant clinical instructor for one of the University of Oklahoma's distance sites for the OU dental hygiene program. I am completing my bachelor's degree to have the same level degree as my students. I am married and we farm and ranch. My daughter is a radiology tech and hopes to pursue medical school. I have one pet named Roxy the doxie. I'm pretty boring these days, always doing homework.
Why did you choose an online program?
So that I could work and continue my education.
What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?
The main thing is just that it was online and I could work on homework during the workweek or after hours.
What surprised you most about the online learning environment?
I am an older student so I have not been to college since the internet or discussion board posts or computers so it was a major learning curve for me.
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
Stay dedicated, stay on top of your studies, stay engaged and give it a try.
How do you balance work, family, and school?
It is very difficult as I am also learning a new avenue within my profession as an instructor, so it has been a lot to juggle. I have had some pretty moments and not so pretty moments. I have adapted with time management.
Meet Lyndsie!
I enrolled in the BSDH online degree completion program in fall of 2020 and graduated in December of 2021. I began the Master of Education in Learning and Instructional Design with a focus on Online Learning & Educational Technology in January 2022 and I am on track to graduate in May of 2023. I have an 11-year-old son and have been married to my husband for 15 years. I currently teach full time as a dental hygiene educator in St. Louis, Missouri. In what little free time I have, I enjoy cooking and hiking
Why did you choose an online program?
There are no Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene programs locally in St. Louis. My choices were to either move or use an online degree completion program. I continued here at WSU because I've really enjoyed my experience, the faculty here are extremely supportive and encouraging.
What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?
The most important part of online education for me is the flexibility. I also think learning from such a wide variety of peers has been remarkable.
What surprised you most about the online learning environment?
The most surprising part has been how helpful I've found my classmates. Group projects have helped me form relationships, which I'm so thankful for and not something I would have expected from online learning.
What advice do you have for prospective online students?
Don't be afraid to reach out to your instructor. They've all be so wonderful with guidance and support. They understand life happens and that sometimes material can be hard to understand without the extra guidance.
How do you balance work, family, and school?
Staying organized and on top of things is such a key in balancing everything. Sometimes I have to force myself to step away to balance the family component. It's easy to lose track of time while juggling all of the course load and forcing yourself to step away is so healthy for your mental health.
What is your current position at work and what do you plan to achieve with your online degree?
I'm currently a full-time instructor of dental hygiene, a job I couldn't have without my BSDH. I hope with my master's I'll be able continue in the full-time capacity and help educator future healthcare professionals!
We want to hear about you!