2011 OSU Ecampus graduates

Lynda Green – All the academic repute without the commute

B.A. Liberal Studies
Florence, Ore.

What does completing your degree mean to you? How do you feel it will improve your life and career?
Completing my degree at midlife fulfills a lifelong goal, one that I set decades ago before family and career became realities and priorities - both wonderful adventures. I have been fortunate, after a geographical relocation, to have the opportunity to finally complete this phase of my education after raising a family and completing 20 productive years in my first career.

Why did you choose to complete your degree online through OSU Extended Campus? What did you like about this method of education?
I live and work on the Oregon coast in Florence. Prior to transferring to OSU, I earned an associate of arts degree at Lane Community College. Some classes were conducted in Florence, but to finish the degree I drove 120 miles round-trip a couple of times a week for two years. I had the option to transfer to the University of Oregon and drive that route again for two to three years, or transfer to OSU and earn my degree through Ecampus. I made the right choice.

I think the best part about Ecampus is that one can read the thoughts of all the students on the Discussion Board. Sometimes students can get lost in a crowded classroom. Through Ecampus you have a voice and can listen to everyone. 

Did you have an instructor or advisor who was influential in helping you succeed as a distance student?
I found each instructor interested in the success of his/her students. The three I found most influential: Jonathan Katz, who was always willing to point out and explain historical events that I misunderstood, and generous with compliments and encouragement; Gilad Elbom, who encouraged thinking and rethinking to the point where my head ached, pleasantly; and John Larison, who shares criticisms of a writer's work in the kindest fashion and tempers the criticism with brilliant insights and encouragement.

What will your Ecampus degree allow you to do that you were unable to do before?
You know, this may seem odd, but this degree will allow me to hold my head up. I always felt a bit inferior in my first career when I held a position that required a degree. Every year my boss would write out my goals. He always listed, as No. 1, to continue to take college courses and earn my bachelor's degree. And now that I am off to start a second career, I am confident that any application I submit will be considered because I will have a degree. Even though I presently have a part-time job, I cannot wait to fill out a job application just to list my degree.

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