Q & A with myself:
This week I turn on the ol' journalist's charm with myself and asked myself some of the same questions I've been asking my fellow non-trads all semester. This self reflection became a little emotional as I looked back on the years spent as a non-traditional student and as I asked myself to ponder the people and events along my journey that have brought me to this place.
What is your major?
I am an Addiction Studies major, and will have everything
lined up to work as a substance abuse counselor with my degree.
When did you return
to higher education?
Summer of 2008. I started part time, taking one or two,
mostly online, classes at first. Then began attending classes full time in the
Spring of 2010. By the time I graduate, I will have completed my program in
roughly four years + one semester.
How much longer until
graduation?
I graduate this December! Then on to the Master’s program, I
hope…
What is your typical
course load per semester?
For the last two years I have been going pretty much full
tilt at 14 + credits per semester. I also maintain my full time status during
the summer months, taking at least 6 credits-worth of courses.
What lead you to
Viterbo University?
That’s a long story, you see, as it turns out I’m the voice
of Viterbo, producing the Viterbo Center for Adult Learning ads you hear on the
radio. One day I was cutting the ad in the studio, a month later I was
registering for my first summer course!
What drew you to your
program?
I knew that I wanted to study psychology in one form or
another. It just so happens, Viterbo’s Addiction Studies program was developed
into a full-fledged major (previously it was only offered as a minor) around
the time I moved to full time status.
Do you take strictly
traditional (classroom) courses or have you taken any night/weekend/online
courses? Why, or why not?
As you may have read previously on this blog, I take a mix
of both. I am one of those hard-headed individuals that can stay focused in
online courses. Also, due to the nature of my program, a lot of my course
options involve night and weekend classes that are more flexible for the
adult-learner.
Who has been
influential in your academic success?
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| Honors Senior Seminar Poster Presentation |
Family. The Viterbo community and staff. If I was required
to give a graduation acceptance speech, vis-à-vis the Oscars, I would continue
to weep and talk over the exit music until they had to forcefully remove me,
and my Oscar, I mean diploma, from the stage with one of those giant
vaudeville-style hooks. Seriously, so many people to thank.
Of all the courses
you’ve taken, thus far, which has been your favorite? Why?
I’ve really enjoyed all of my program courses. I am
fascinated by the human brain and its intricacies. But, I’m also a history and
literature nerd, so a lot of my general credits involving English, societal
studies and religion have caused me to contemplate double, even triple majors.
One of my favorites this semester has been the Humanities Symposium course I’m
taking as a part of the Viterbo Honors Program. This semester’s theme is heroes
so we’ve had an amazing time discussing the nature of the true hero and
actually sponsored a debate (during the humanities week on campus) on the
ultimate hero, pitting Luke Skywalker against Harry Potter. Fascinating stuff!
What do you like best
about your program of choice?
It really is incredibly flexible. This, for me, is key. I
need to be available for my family and still put in a few hours at the office
between heavy research sessions. Viterbo’s adult-learner options really make
this viable, I can’t say that enough.
What are your goals
post-graduation?
I will pursue my substance abuse counselor licensure while
making plans to *hopefully* start in the Masters of Mental Health Counseling
program. I really enjoy working with teens, but I am also passionate about
substance abuse rehabilitation as it pertains to special demographics, such as
women, and soldiers struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder.
As a non-traditional
student how do you manage to balance school/home/work/etc?
It’s a juggling act, it really is. But I’m one-third of a
heavily academic household, so quiet reading, computer and study time is kind
of par for the course. That being said, I can’t stress enough how important it
is to pencil in fun time – my sister and I participate in a lot of the local 5k
events, I like to experiment in the kitchen (still trying to master the crock
pot) and family time remains, above the most pressing of deadlines, priority
number one.
What would you say
are some of the keys to your success?
My family, my husband, son and parents have been incredibly
encouraging and supportive. Additionally critical to my success have been my
instructors, classmates and the advisors and amazing staff of Viterbo’s Center
for Adult Learning.
How would you
describe your interactions with traditional students on campus? With
instructors and staff?
I am always in awe of my young, studious classmates, and
honestly I wouldn’t have ever learned how to put together any form of reliable
presentation without them. Power Points and Publisher are all programs that
were completely foreign to me, and would have remained so were it not for their
kindness and patience. The same goes for my professors, instructors and advisors,
they’re all incredible people and I’ve made some lifelong connections thanks to
this program.
With what type of
extracurricular activities are you involved? Either school clubs/programs or
non-school affiliated activities.
As was previously established in this blog I am a member of
Viterbo’s Honors Program, a true honor that came to me when I was nominated my
first full time semester. It’s been an incredible experience. I enjoy working
with my fellow Honors students and participating in a lot of the on and off campus
activities with which they are involved.
Want to know more? Drop a question or comment in the section
below. Or, simply call Viterbo’s Center for Adult Learning (1-888-848-3726) and
talk to one of the amazing staff members about getting started.
