Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Melissa, BS in Nursing
"The biggest challenge is balancing time," she says. "It can be difficult not to put off an assignment until the last minute."
Name: Melissa Hinson
Age: 38
Marital Status: Newly married
Kids: 17-year old son, 13-year old daughter
Strength: Working 12-hour shifts as a single mom
School: University of Michigan
Target: B.S. in Nursing, 2006
With an active 17-year old son and a 13-year old daughter who is a "social butterfly", there are constant demands on her time. Her own social life factors in, too. She has been dating her steady boyfriend for a long time and they recently got engaged, with plans to marry next summer.
The cost is nevertheless daunting. "I refuse to add it up," she quips. When pressed, she estimates that it could be between $12,000 and $14,000 just for her BSN, not including her associate's degree.
"Having a BSN will allow me to pursue career opportunities in nursing available only to those with a BSN or master's degree such as management, teaching, and other upper-level jobs," she says.
She looks forward to graduation more for the sense of completion than the pomp and circumstance. "I want that diploma hanging on my wall," she declares.
She will be very proud to have it read, "University of Michigan." The school's reputation was important to her. She describes the school's credentials, the faculty and graduates as outstanding.
"I wanted my diploma to be recognizable to future employers. I wanted brick and mortar behind it."
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