Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Britton, B.S. in Computer Science
For online learners, juggling coursework, holding down a full-time job, and having a life is just that … a juggling act. There are so many demands on your time that make it incredibly challenging to keep your priorities straight.
Name: Britton Powell
Age: 26
Marital Status: Married
Children: One
Current Location: Birmingham, AL
Advice to Online Students: "Many companies offer some sort of [tuition] help, so it's a good step to investigate what your company provides."
School: American Sentinel University
Target: B.S. in Computer Science, early 2007
Good thing Britton Powell, an online degree-seeking student at American Sentinel University in Birmingham, Alabama loves a challenge. He is trying to wrap up an undergraduate degree before the birth of his first child in March 2007. This 26-year-old Valdosta, Georgia resident has been hard at work taking online courses leading up to a B.S. in Computer Science. And getting it all done hasn't been easy.
Britton originally enrolled at Valdosta State University in 1998 to pursue a bachelor's degree. He was not far from graduation when he was made a very attractive job offer with his current company as a programmer/analyst.
He decided to enter the work force instead of finishing his degree at the time, rationalizing that he could always get a degree—but that job opportunity may not be available again.
"This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, and as VSU is a 'traditional' school, the classes I needed to graduate weren't offered at night. I chose my career over the degree, knowing that I could finish later, as I am doing now, and getting my employer to pay for it," says Britton, with a crafty smile.
He expects to finish the 120 credit degree this spring, and take a short break before starting an online MBA program. In the meantime, Britton and his wife are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby, and he is determined to do whatever it takes to make ends meet after the little one makes it a party three.
Says Britton matter-of-factly, "When it comes to managing time with a newborn, work and school, to me, you do what you have to do."
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