2011 OSU Ecampus graduates

Tamara Dockstader – Behold, the fountain of youth!

B.S. Liberal Studies
Sonora, Calif.

What does completing your degree mean to you? How do you feel it will improve your life and career?
At 51, this is a monumental accomplishment. My husband and I raised five children - two of his, two of mine, and one together. After my youngest graduated a year early from high school, I focused on finishing my associate degree and then transferred to OSU Ecampus. I may have lived life backwards, but it has come full circle and I am finally realizing the dream of acquiring a bachelor's degree.

Why did you choose to complete your degree online through OSU Extended Campus? What did you like about this method of education?
I could not have done it without OSU Ecampus. When I was looking at colleges, I wanted more than just another Internet college. I wanted to be part of a brick-and-mortar school and all it has to offer. School spirit, sports and pride ... OSU offered all of this.

Did you have an instructor or advisor who was influential in helping you succeed as a distance student?
David del Mar was a very good instructor. He was very involved in his classes, and it felt as if I were sitting in a classroom. Dr. Misty Weitzel was another exceptional teacher. I took forensic anthropology with her, and she, like David, is engaged with their students and takes a real interest in their students' learning.

What will your Ecampus degree allow you to do that you were unable to do before?
Ecampus has given me back a part of my youth I put on hold. The personal satisfaction cannot be put into the proper words. Ecampus allowed me to accomplish something I had thought was just a distant dream that seemed out of reach. It is never too late to learn, and OSU Ecampus has become part of my journey. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity Ecampus has given me.

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