TaKisha Kegler says it was a University of Phoenix alumni video that spurred her on to pursue her degree at the age of 42. Working three jobs just to make ends meet, her dream of becoming a special education teacher seemed impossible. However, she saw a University of Phoenix video about Carmen Bravo, who used the information she gained from her nursing degree to save a man from dying from a heart attack. Watching the video, Kegler identified with Carmen, who was also a minority first-generation college student, and was reenergized about her education. “I was so inspired by Carmen’s story,” Kegler said. “I saw myself in that video. I knew I was ready to contact University of Phoenix immediately.” And that’s what she did.
Your boss, family members and friends are all potentially affected by your decision to go back to school, so you can’t leave them out of the equation. If they know what they can and can’t expect from you, it will lessen the blow when you’re inevitably less available than you used to be. As you communicate your needs, give them the chance to do the same. Hernandez recommends working together to come up with a schedule that makes the most sense for everyone.
Now a high school teacher, he shares those memories with his students. His message is that “success is possible; all you have to do is try.” He wants to show them that if he could concentrate on his studies and complete his degree while serving overseas in a volatile and unpredictable environment, they can overcome any obstacle they may face in life. Steer is just one of numerous alumni who attended University of Phoenix while deployed overseas with branches of the U.S. military. The University is familiar with accommodating the unique challenges faced by active duty service men and women, veterans and military spouses.
Kegler completed her master’s degree in public administration even while working full time and caring for her disabled mother. She credits the flexibility of online classes and the encouragement of her academic advisor, Paula Boone, for helping her to stay focused and positive throughout her degree journey. They talked every few months, and Boone made sure that TaKisha had all the resources and support she needed to be successful. Most of all it was Kegler’s attitude that led to her success, explains Boone. “At a time when she was being let down, she stayed positive,” Boone said. “It was that positive attitude that got her there.”
Today, Kegler works as a behavior technician, which allows her to support students with disabilities. And she’s been able to fulfill her dream., working with students and teaching them the specific behavior skills called for in their individualized learning plans. Says Kegler, “If I hadn’t had all the help and support, I would have never had the confidence to pursue my degree or these amazing job opportunities. You’re never too old to pursue your dream.”
Online classes at University of Phoenix, like those that Kegler attended, are a great way for students with busy schedules and numerous demands on their time to earn a college degree. Online students can have an engaging experience like in-person students…just in a different format. Online students have an academic advisor to help see them through their degree journey. They are also able to have direct conversations with their instructors and collaborate with other students on projects. Details and a complete catalog are available at phoenix.edu.
