Tim F.
Meet Tim F.
Just about done with that degree? Online courses can help you finish it up—quickly and affordably. Online learning can be the answer for you students who want to wrap up a degree that has mostly been earned at brick and mortar colleges.
That's the strategy that is working for Tim F. The 32-year-old had attended traditional colleges on and off for 10 years before biting the bullet and enrolling at Thomas Edison State College, a well-known school that caters to working adults by offering flexible distance learning programs. The Garden State resident is working toward his B.A. in English.
He was majoring in journalism at The College of New Jersey before leaving school. It turned out that a B.A. in English would be faster to obtain, so the retail manager set his sights on distance learning.
"I stopped going to college when work became demanding of my time. I always s figured that I would go back to school a year later, but every year that went by I said the same thing. I finally had enough once I was laid off from my former employer," says Tim, who is married with no children.
He enrolled in TESC in August and recently completed two of the four classes he needs to graduate.
Why does online learning make sense for you?
I decided on distance learning because of the time constraints of my job. I don't work 9 to 5 and sometimes I have to do my college work late at night. A formal classroom does not make that possible.
I tried to go back to a traditional college about five years ago, but ended up missing many classes due to work issues. After talking to a few people I decided on TESC.
Do you plan to switch jobs with your degree or move up in the same company?
I am a manager of a KB Toys store. I have been in retail ever since I was a teenager. Eventually I would like to get into editing. I have always liked to edit and did very well in the news editing classes I took at TCNJ.
How long have you been working on this degree?
I have been in and out of college since 1992. Money problems and partying sent me on a downward spiral that ended in my dismissal from school in 1996. I've been in and out trying to finish, but with work being so demanding I always had to stop going to classes.
How do you manage it all: school work, job, and home life?
Sometimes I have to stay up late to finish the assignments that are due, but the most important tool at my disposal for managing my time is my wife.
She understands that I need to get through school. She supports me and my decision to get my degree.
Besides my wife, I use a planner to schedule the assignments. I generally write my due dates two days prior to when the assignment is actually due. This way if I get busy at work or decide I need to relax instead of reading, I will always have the time to finish.
Planning is the key to my success. I have to complete only four classes to obtain my degree and already have two done. I got an A in both classes.
How are you paying for your degree?
My wife and I are using our personal savings to pay for college. With only four classes needed, it didn't seem necessary to get a loan.
It does put pressure on both of us since there is less money for emergencies, but in the end we both will be better off. She can't wait for me to have weekends off.
What is most difficult about funding your education?
The most difficult thing about funding my schooling is the sacrifices for even necessities. Christmas will be on a budget this year.
Also, we have had to forgo fixing some things around the house. When it's all said and done, I will have had to pay about $3,000 for four classes.
It's not a lot of money to some, but it is to my wife and me. Retail managers in smaller stores don't make all that much.
After doing your research, why did you choose this school?
I chose Thomas Edison State College because it was convenient to my schedule. I like the idea that I can get up at 6 a.m. and "go to class." I like the learning at your own pace aspect. Some of the readings I have had for the English degree have taken days to read. I'm sure if I was 18 and sitting in a dorm room I could have gotten through the same reading in a third of the time, but time is not something I have a lot of.
What has been your favorite course and why?
I recently took an analysis of literature course. I really enjoyed it because in traditional classes when you stated something that the entire class did not agree with you would be attacked by everyone's opinion.
I like that, with the exception of the discussions, the professor is the only one to see your papers and explanations. Your questions are one on one, not one on 20. It makes it more relaxing and I felt more apt to offer my opinion instead of the accepted answers.
As a distance learner, what is your biggest challenge?
Time.
Sometimes I don't get home from work until midnight after working 15 hours and I still have reading to do. I also don't get to spend as much time with my wife as I have in the past. It gets frustrating, but we both look at the end result. Once I get my degree then I will have more time for us.
What's the best thing about distance learning?
The best thing would be learning at your own pace. I like that the class gives me the assignments in the beginning and if I want to finish early I can as long as I observe the actual deadlines.
This brings us to the worst thing about distance learning. There is no professor reminding you about your assignments. It's all on you. If you don't remember to submit an assignment then you get an F. It requires a dedication that traditional schools don't. You control your class, the class does not control you.
Have any advice or warnings about other people considering distance learning?
My advice for those thinking about distance learning would be to do it and do it now. Don't hesitate because you feel you may not have time. You make the time. Everyone can do this. I waited years before trying it myself and have been kicking myself about the delay. I could have had my degree years ago if I only called TESC.
I will give one warning, however. Try not to fall behind.
It's OK to make up some work one week because you have to but don't think you can do an entire semester in a few weeks. The workload is just as heavy as a traditional college.
