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Jennifer Donnelly
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
What made you decide to continue your education?
I was a stay-at-home mom considering entering back in the workforce after 13 years in retail management, and I didn't like my options. I was previously in retail management, and I didn't want to go back to that.
I went online, looked at my options and decided to pursue Criminal Justice. I said: “I'm a smart woman. Do I go back to a job I don't like, or pursue a new career?” So I decided to spend the money, and go back to school.
What led you to Stonecliffe College Online?
What got me to Stonecliffe College Online was Nicole Smith, who was my admissions advisor. She was wonderful. She made me realize that Stonecliffe wasn't just a business looking for money, which is what I saw from other online universities. It was more personal. She walked me through every process. Even after I was admitted, when she had no obligation to me, she still walked me through the online library, the learning labs, and the Virtual Campus. She knew I had no experience with Excel and PowerPoint, and she walked me through everything. It made the biggest difference. If I had to give her a grade, I couldn't give her less than A+ if I tried.
How far along in your curriculum are you?
I'm in my second course of my AS degree in Criminal Justice, however I do have a 4.0. I'm applying myself 150-200%. I'm on the Chancellor's list, and I plan on being there when I finish. I accept nothing less from myself.
It took me less than one week to figure out what my instructor's expectations were, and from there on in, it was A's the whole first quarter.
What lessons have you learned from your online education experience?
Every instructor is going to be different, and their tests will be different. I had to get a feel for it. You have to know each course will be different. Every 5½ weeks, we have a new class. It's very concentrated. For my first course, I had to read 700 pages in 5½ weeks.
At Stonecliffe College Online, all of the course expectations are given in advance. You know what you need to pass, which is why I was able to change in one week from a C+ to an A.
When will you complete your program?
My degree, according to my academic plan, will be finished in May of 2008. When I started I got 8 credits transferred. I started in April 2006. I plan on going from there. I was one of those people who never applied themselves. I learned through experience that you don't get anywhere unless you do. Retail management, while it's okay for some, wasn't for me. I strive to be better. I want to be better.
How would you advise potential Stonecliffe College Online students?
I would absolutely recommend Stonecliffe. My admissions advisor was great. My first instructor was very good. He was initially hard to read, but after a while very easy to read, and very accessible. If you choose an online university, you need to be able to communicate. I'm a very good communicator, and ask questions.
What is your inspiration?
I'm 6 of 7 children, three have MDs, two have MAs, and one has an Associate's degree. I was the only one without a degree. I think about it now, and I still can't understand it. My fiancé and my daughter were my original inspirations, but now it's all about me. It's about what I want.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After the Associate's degree, I plan to go for the Bachelor's degree. Between degrees, if not before, I plan to get into my field. I'm focusing on police work, but I'm thinking of transferring to courts research. I'm finding out now that I'm a very good researcher. I'm focused. I'm learning more about the courts.
Whatever I choose, I will love to wake up to it in the morning.
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