2011 OSU Ecampus graduates

Deirdre McNamara – Using knowledge to tear down language barriers

B.A. Liberal Studies
Oregon City, Ore.

What does completing your degree mean to you? How do you feel it will improve your life and career?
It's the realization of a lifelong dream. I have faced my challenges with bravery and strength, and I will be a good role model for my daughter, Jada. It also means that I am on my way to being able to positively influence the lives of my students and encourage them to learn for a lifetime.

Why did you choose to complete your degree online through OSU Extended Campus? What did you like about this method of education?
Completing my degree online through OSU Ecampus allowed me to continue working and create a schedule around my family. To continue to work in the public school system while working toward a degree has been wonderful. I continued to gain experience as I moved through my degree requirements. I am also able to apply my knowledge in a real-world scenario.

Did you have an instructor or advisor who was influential in helping you succeed as a distance student?
Yes, there were many: advisor Kathy Fultz, professor Laura Morrison, professor Mary Nolan, professor Carolyn Platt and professor Misty Weitzel, among others.

What will your Ecampus degree allow you to do that you were unable to do before?
I have been accepted to a graduate school program that will allow me to become licensed as a teacher with both my special education and bilingual education endorsements. I hope to be instrumental in preventing the misdiagnosis of learning disabilities among students who transition to learning in a second language. Additionally, I hope to be able to help identify ESL students who may have been overlooked for high- and low-frequency learning challenges.

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