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
Now her goal is within sight.
"I've overcome numerous barriers to get here," she says. "Nothing in the world is going to stop me from getting my education."
Her determination has made her a leader within her groups. She is often the one who sets the schedule, divides up the project, and assigns portions to the other students. Then she is tasked with assembling all the parts into one coherent, finished piece of work.
"It's hard trying to get schedules coordinated to do a 'chat,'" she admits. With different time zones, job responsibilities, and family obligations itcan be a challenge for everyone to get together.
Fortunately, Barb has found that many of the students wind up in the same classes term after term and learn one another's schedules. They develop a comfort level and it all works out.
Occasionally there is a new student who doesn't want to participate. She has had to lay down the law on more than one occasion. They usually straighten up.
"I tell them that the group project is half the grade for the class," she explains. "If you only give half your effort, the rest of us will suffer. We're giving 100 percent. You need to give 100 percent."
Barb is unfazed that some students drop out entirely. "It's not for everyone," she surmises.
Maybe her own experiences make her understanding. She made the decision to leave high school early. "I dropped out in the tenth grade."
Social problems and the recovery from a major car accident made attendance untenable for her. She did, however, receive her diploma.
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