Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Angela M., Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Name: Angela Mullen
Age: 32
Marital Status: Married
Children: Four (2 boys & 2 girls)
Why she choose distance learning: "Children of course!"
School: National University
Target: B.A. in Early Childhood Education, December 2007
In her opinion, the flexibility and accessibility of online learning is worth it, so long as one is capable of managing his or her time in order to stay on top of weekly assignments.
"For me, doing everything online makes a world of difference," she explains.
Angela finds comfort in knowing that although she doesn't have the luxury of being away from the house in a classroom, she can be at her computer when she needs to, and just as importantly, away from it when she needs to be as well.
"I can have all the quality time with my kids and walk away from school things when I need to. If I'm not feeling well that day I can walk away and give twice as much effort the next day."
She continues, "I can work throughout the night when I don't sleep well. I just manipulate it so that it works with how I feel and what I have to do."
At National University, Angela is currently pursuing a dual credential and master's in Special Education and is helped by the fact that there is a lot of potential funding/assistance for students in that field. She received an Apple Grant of $19,000, which requires that the recipient spend a minimum of four years in the area of Special Ed.
"Though I may not want to work in the field of special education for the rest of my life, I think it would be gratifying for a while," says Mullen.
"With the degree I'm earning, I will definitely have something to fall back on, either K-12 or, if I go single-subject, it will probably be art."
After all these years, Angela still looks at art therapy as a possible future career and knows that her degree leaves several doors open for her and she can make choices as they come.
She continues to make art on her own time and volunteer locally on top of taking care of the kids, so it's one step at a time at this point. "Right now all I can add is comic relief," she says. "And I'll spare you that!"
Online Degree Programs: Find an accredited online degree program that's right for you
Online Schools: Explore colleges and universities who offer online degrees
Distance Learning Discussion Forums: Ask others for opinions of online schools and online education
Copyright eLearners.com 1999 - 2008
