We've all seen articles on in campus college and online college degrees. We weigh our options to figure out what is right for us. After high school I didn’t want to go to college, I was sure I was tired of school and wanted to take a break. I was sure I’d waste my parent’s money on my tuition as I flunked out to party. I decided to take a more disciplined path and joined the US Air Force. This allowed me to travel the world, get income, and have the option to go to school if I really wanted to.
I enjoyed the life of being employed and having a steady pay check without a college degree. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t even think of going to school until after six years into my enlistment. One day I woke up and realized “wow, I’m the only one in my high school class without a degree, I’m such a loser.” I was in Japan at the time so I didn’t have a lot of options; I started looking at online colleges. After some research (talking to friends and coworkers), the University of Phoenix (UoP) was the best choice for me. I enrolled to start an associate degree in General Studies. I just wanted to get started and didn’t really know what I wanted to be when I grew up.
UoP was a good choice at the time; classes were five weeks long, no exams, and I went to school at home in my pajamas. Perfect! The only thing I didn’t like was that we had teams; it never really made sense to me having a team you couldn’t really work with online. We were all in different time zones and usually had separate academic goals. But we gotta do what we gotta do, so I stuck with it until recently…
A little less than a year ago I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. I did a more extensive research on online schools and found that Westwood College was the perfect fit for me. The Web Design and Multimedia bachelor degree program is meant for me. I sent in my application online and a few minutes later a representative called me for an overview of the school and course. I enrolled and started my term in August 2007.
I finished the first term with flying colors, it was a great start. Now, I’m on to the second term. So far Westwood College in my opinion a better school than UoP, although each term lasts 10 weeks we get three classes compared to the two classes in 10 weeks in UoP. Plus no teams, my grade is mine and mine alone; no one else to thank for a good grade and sometimes no one to drag me down. What are your thoughts? Which college education is right for you? College degree online, right for me, is it right for you?
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There was a point in time when I didn't want to go to school anymore (high school). I wanted to be home schooled and study online instead. I feel that I can work better on my own than having 80% of the class slow me down. High school students can be naive sometimes. Although I'm their age, they do not understand when I try to make an important point. They simply brush it off and I hated it. But I stuck through with it because it was my senior year. I got out of school a year earlier and I couldn't be happier. Now, I am attending a local college and will be going to another school in Spring.
Now, I think online schools are very interesting. But I do not think it's right for me anymore. I'd like to experience college life, be in a dorm, study for exams and learn new things first hand. I'm planning to start a club and interact with other students more. I am very excited too. If online degree is good for you, then you made a good decision. We all get lost sometimes but we'll always find our way out.
My parents and friends told me that getting an online degree is harder for you to get a job compared to a student who earn his/her degree through regular college, is that true?
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At least I don't think so. I work for a really great company now and get paid really well, and when I get my degree it’s about a 30-40% increase in pay. They didn't really tell me only if I get my degree from an on campus school. Many companies, like mine, even give you money to go to school. They also know that for most employees taking classes online is the only option.
What's important is that you research the online school. Check the accreditation and reputation. There are scams out there that tell you to pay a certain amount of money and you get a diploma, you can usually smell a scam from a mile away but make sure anyway.
Happy learning!
$T0RMY L'Knight
I really like the things you wrote it is interesting really! I was impressed because you lived this all.
Thank you :)
$T0RMY L'Knight
I really like the things you wrote it is interesting really! I was impressed because you lived this all.