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Carrie Smith
Associate of Science in General Studies
When Carrie Smith was laid off from an administrative position in the communications industry and forced to search for another job, she took a positive approach. She viewed it as an opportunity to pursue her dream of earning a college degree and working in the health care profession. "As a single mother, I have to work full-time. I have always wanted to earn a college degree and have always had an interest in the health care profession. I want to be able to obtain a position with a higher salary than my previous positions, one that is also (hopefully) not as expendable as my previous position."
In addition to procuring various positions in financial administration and customer service after she was laid off, Carrie enrolled in a community college and earned a medical assistant certification. "I knew working days and attending night classes would be a challenge, and I thought it would pay off. But I did not realize that it would cost so much, both financially and in terms of time away from my children. I believe attending college should be fun and that was no fun at all. I also thought obtaining a position as a medical assistant was the answer. When I actually attained a position as a medical assistant I loved the work, but due to a long commute and a lower salary than I had hoped for, I soon became dissatisfied."
Carrie gave up her position as a medical assistant and obtained a position in account management at a financial institution, but never lost sight of her goal of earning an Associate's degree. By now, however, she knew that returning to night classes at the community college would not fit her lifestyle. When Carrie sought advice from a guidance counselor, she discovered the option of online learning, which led her to Stonecliffe College Online, an academic division of Colorado Technical University. "I looked into several online colleges and Stonecliffe stood out for several reasons. It offers the degree program I am looking for and the Admissions staff is very helpful and professional. I was extremely impressed after a tour of the Virtual Campus. I was hesitant at first, but after I enrolled I knew I made the right decision."
Carrie's life has changed in many positive ways since enrolling in the Associate of Science in General Studies degree program through Stonecliffe College Online. "I have more time for my family, I am not spending money on commuting and other out-of-pocket costs involved in attending a brick and mortar college. I have improved my time management skills. My verbal and written skills are improving. I am acquiring knowledge and skills that apply to my current position, such as the various Microsoft Office applications. That has given me more confidence in myself and reduced the level of stress I was experiencing while attending community college."
Carrie is particularly impressed with the Virtual Campus Stonecliffe College Online offers. "I had high expectations of the Virtual Campus and it has exceeded those expectations. Technical support is available around the clock. The wealth of resources provided through the Virtual Campus provides quick and easy access to any department I may need to contact. It is extremely user friendly and has helped me improve my computer skills and my research skills. The instructors are accessible through live sessions, instant messaging and email. There are visual aids and learning labs to assist in understanding written materials. If students use all the resources at their disposal, educational success is almost ensured. Stonecliffe College Online is a unique experience that I would recommend to anyone, especially single, working mothers."
Online learning through Stonecliffe College Online has helped enable Carrie to set higher educational and professional goals for herself. "Before I enrolled in Stonecliffe College Online, my goal was simply to attain a position as a medical assistant. After I complete the general studies program, I am planning to enroll in a degree program that is geared toward health care management. I like working with finances, but I love the health care profession and want to attain a position in which I can help others. My ultimate educational goal is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Management. Once I begin that, I will also begin another career search in the health care profession with higher goals in mind. I am hoping to combine my finance experience, my heath care experience and my degrees to achieve my ultimate career goal of attaining a position in health care management. Thanks to Stonecliffe College Online, I have set higher goals for myself than ever and they are well within my reach!"
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