2012 OSU Ecampus graduates

Kila Messick – Open communication lines make OSU feel like home

B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences
Scappoose, Ore.

What does earning your OSU degree mean to you?
Earning my degree from OSU means that I will be able to accomplish something greater in life. I will be able to pursue more job opportunities, and further myself and my family in life. I will become a member of the beaver alumni and be part of something greater than myself. I will always have a place to call “home.” I know that earning my degree means that one day my children will look up to me and be happy that I was able to accomplish this goal I had for myself.

Why did you choose to complete your degree online through OSU Extended Campus? What did you like about this method of education?
I chose to complete my degree through OSU Ecampus because I was able to complete my degree in a timely manner and the distance degree program works around my schedule. I am a stay-at-home mom and being able to get on the computer for my classes at any time of the day works with my schedule compared to having to find day care and drive to campus. The best thing about the Ecampus program is with all the classes we have a discussion board. This lets the students communicate not only about coursework but also to get to know each other and communicate about non-related school stuff. I also liked how convenient Ecampus was for me. I am able to talk to my professors through email and not have to wait to have an open office appointment.

Did you have an instructor or advisor who was influential in helping you succeed as a distance student?
I did have a great advisor that was always there for me. Brandi Hall was also available for me to email and she would respond in a non-formal communication that made her seem as if she was more approachable. We would email back and forth about my schedule and classes that I need to finish up my degree and she would always tell me her opinion about what she thinks would be best while also listening to my needs/wants.

What will your Ecampus degree allow you to do that you were unable to do before?
By having my degree I will able to further not only my life but my family's as well. I will be able to have a higher-paying job in a field that interests me, and I won’t have to rely on other people for financial assistance anymore. This will improve my career because I will be able to apply for graduate schools and further my education even more. I also know that having my degree will allow me many more opportunities that weren’t available to me without having my bachelor’s degree.

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