Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Barbara, BS in Criminal Justice
Name: Barbara Merritt
Age: 41
Marital Status: Divorced
Future Goal: Work in Homeland Security
Quote: "I've overcome numerous barriers to get here. Nothing in the world is going to stop me from getting my education."
School: Colorado Technical University
Target: B.S. Criminal Justice
By the time she finished in 2003 the on-line classes were full, too.
Barb was hooked.
"You're on your own at your own pace," she concludes is one of the reasons she enjoys on-line education. "[Going to school on-line] is convenient and available 24/7."
And far from being isolating, she finds she has a lot of contact with other students. She feels a part of a greater community. "I have students in my class from Japan!"
Her instructors are also very accessible. Some have even given their personal phone numbers in addition to their e-mail addresses. She has never hesitated to ask questions or get help. "They get back to you within 24 hours, via e-mail or phone."
She is very enthusiastic about pursuing her degree on-line. "I have a great learning experience to share with anyone who asks."
A recent diagnosis of melanoma and the subsequent chemotherapy were the only things that threatened to derail the pursuit of her dream. "I failed two classes."
"For the first time I said, 'I don't think I can do this,'" she confides. "I never dreamed I would ever say that."
"Step back, take 10 breaths, and call us in a week," recommended her advisor, she says.
The short break was enough to renew her resolve. " I was only four classes away from getting my degree."
Her instructors understood her challenges and were sympathetic to her plight. One instructor offered her the opportunity to earn the credits she needed by assigning an individual project to her; she had already completed her portion of the group project. She had to retake the other course, accounting, the following term.
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