• Online
  Degrees
• Online
  Programs
• Online
  Courses
• Online
  Colleges
• Campus
  Programs
• eLearners
  Advisor
• Articles &
  Resources
• Blogs &
  Forums

Online Learner Profiles: Sabrina

Profiles of Real Online Learners

Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Sabrina, BS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Sabrina had a goal: to finish her college degree before her son finished high school. With singular determination and the supportive staff at Winston-Salem State University she did it. The mother of two earned her degree more than five years ago, but the 44-year old is still reaping the benefits.

Her bachelor's degree in Clinical Lab Sciences had an immediate and lasting impact on her life. "My income went up $30,000 overnight," says the former medical lab technician.

Today she is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. "When I finished [my degree] all kinds of doors opened." She was offered a promotion by her former employer, but opted to take a direct commission to public health where she was assigned to a federal prison.

The once shy and reserved young woman has matured into an inspiring and effective leader.

The quiet girl who was afraid to speak up is now doing the talking—and everyone from the inmates to the doctors who treat them is inclined to listen. As the lead technologist of the transfusion department she makes sure that the nurses, phlebotomists, and doctors are in compliance with FDA and other regulatory board standards.

She establishes all the policies and procedures for accrediting agencies. And on her watch the department has passed all inspections with zero citations or recommendations. But the road to self worth, respect, and empowerment was a long and windy one.

She credits Dr. Denny Ryman, Ed. D. with keeping her on the right path. Indeed she considers the staff and faculty at Winston-Salem "family."

"You have something in you that is going to thrive," she recalls him telling her. "I wanted to give it my all. He was one of the first men in my life who believed in me."

With no family encouragement and support to bolster her, Sabrina had to make her own way in the world very early. Two days after her 18th birthday she left home and left behind a history of disappointment and pain.

She would rather have gone to college, but simply did not have the means and did not know what resources were available to her. "I didn't know what a scholarship was until I was in my 20s," she muses.

"I knew I needed a job," she explains. "A recruiter told me, ‘if you want to be all you can be, join the Army.'" So she signed up. Based on her ASVAB scores she was advised to take something in the medical field so that she would always have something to fall back on.

---

1  2  3  4  Next page

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