What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
There are many reasons why I was motivated to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree. In 2014, I graduated with an Associate’s Degree in marketing and sales and had no desire to finish school and get my bachelor’s degree. However, my dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and it was one of his wishes to see me graduate and walk across the stage to receive my diploma. Unfortunately, my father passed away in August of 2016 and getting my degree is my way of making him proud. My father always instilled in me that having a degree is a great way to help provide for your family. Now that I am married, it was time for me to finish my degree and help provide for my family. The short answer is that I was motivated to finish my degree to honor a promise to my father that I would finish school.
Why did you choose Averett’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program?
I chose the GPS Program at Averett because it allowed me to continue working full time while working towards my degree. The faculty and staff in the GPS Program were understanding and willing to work with me when life got in the way and I needed a little extra help. I always felt as though I could contact my advisor, Chris Ellis, and he was right there for me to talk to. I received the in-class experience while working from home.
Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:
One tip that I have for future AU students is to utilize your advisor and make sure you remain in contact with them. My advisor is honestly the reason that I was able to stay on track and graduated from Averett. Also, I would like to tell them to never give up on the dream of having a degree. It took me 9 years to receive my diploma, but it is the greatest feeling in the world.
What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?
One of the major things that helped in keeping me motivated is the pride I saw in my wife and my family when I told them I was going back to school and that I was going to finally graduate college. Knowing that this degree is the key to helping me provide a better life for my family is all the motivation I needed to keep pushing forward.
What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?
Averett University, Class of 2017