2012 OSU Ecampus graduates

Michelle Bolinger – New career opportunities that will help the community

B.A. in Liberal Studies
Medford, Ore.

What does earning your OSU degree mean to you?
It means that all of my hard work and determination has finally paid off! It means that I am now able to work towards other lifelong goals and dreams. It means that I have set a good example for my children. It means that I DID IT!!!

Why did you choose to complete your degree online through OSU Ecampus? What did you enjoy about this method of education?
I chose to complete my degree through OSU Ecampus for several reasons. First of all, I had researched many other schools that offered online degree programs, but I felt OSU had the most, and the best, to offer. I also liked the idea of going to a school in my own state, and I LOVED the fact that my degree will not say "online," "distance ed," or something to that effect. I think I liked the flexibility of the online forum the most. I truly enjoyed my online education at OSU.

Did you have an instructor or advisor who was influential in helping you succeed as a distance student?
All of my instructors at OSU went above and beyond! They were all incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Out of everyone I have worked with at OSU, I would say that Jeffrey Hale helped me the most! I honestly do not know what I would have done without his guidance and expertise when I was completing my liberal studies internship! I was really having issues figuring out, as a distance student, how I could find and complete an internship that would be eligible for college credits AND help me gain knowledge and experience that would help me in my future career. Jeffrey Hale patiently guided me through the process, all the while sharing his extensive, and valuable, knowledge of the social service field. I really appreciate Jeffrey Hale and all of my instructors at OSU!

What will your Ecampus degree allow you to do that you were unable to do before?
With my liberal studies degree and my psychology minor from OSU, I will be able to continue and advance my work in the social service field. I will, hopefully, begin working as a family advocate for Southern Oregon Head Start after graduation, and I have plans to earn my master’s degree in the future as well. I feel that without my degree, I would not have had the same professional opportunities that I will now have. I believe that my degree will be the first ripple in what will be a fulfilling career, and life, of helping others!

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