What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
This is a great question because all students in higher education have something motivating them. For me, I have two motivators: (1) my 3 beautiful children – I expect them to achieve higher education so I want my educational success to be a positive influence on their lives; and (2) I aspire to be a Chief of Police before the end of my law enforcement career; my Sociology and Criminal Justice degree from Averett University will certainly aid in my achieving this goal.
Why did you choose Averett’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program?
I chose Averett for a few reasons. First, Averett is associated with the criminal justice academy where I graduated from back in 1995; the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy in Fredericksburg, VA. As such, I was able to turn much of my law enforcement education there into life credits with Averett. I also had some credits at the University of Virginia from my time spent at the FBI National Academy. Averett allowed me to transfer those credits directly into my degree program. Lastly, Pat Williams, my Senior Enrollment Counselor at Averett, did an incredible job of walking me through the enrollment process and providing me with my educational vision for the future. I can’t thank Pat enough for taking care of me through that process and for continuing to check up on me through my journey.
Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:
Like I tell my children, “hard work always pays off in the end.” When I started the GPS Program at Averett, I made a commitment to my family, my profession, and myself – I will work hard every week to achieve this degree and better my life, as well as the lives of those around me.
What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?
Because the educational experience is on-line, the GPS program requires considerable self-motivation to complete the reading and work assignments each and every week. Five week classes seem to end in the blink of an eye. Maintaining this fast pace requires designated work times throughout the week. Procrastination causes stress and normally leads to substandard work. When your motivation is low, and it will be at times, I remember the commitment I made to my family, profession, and myself. This is what gets me through the tough times.
What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?
Fall of 2017. It will be a proud day when I bring my family down to Danville for my graduation walk.