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Student Spotlight: Tammy Fitchpatric, BA Organizational Leadership

Tammy Fitchpatric TU student spotlight

Current occupation:

Treasurer Specialist

What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?

Receiving my bachelor’s degree was a goal I set for myself years ago. When I did not complete this goal after high school, I always said I would return, but the time never seemed right. Time continued moving on and I still had unfinished business. I decided the time was right to finish what I started years ago the first time around.

Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?

I chose Tiffin University because they offered what I needed to be successful: online seven-week courses and flexibility. The admissions staff was great and very supportive, they made me feel comfortable answering all questions, setting up times to have phone conversations, and assisting every step of the way making the whole process easy. Tiffin University also accepted credits I had earned from courses I had previously taken. This was a major plus.

Describe your experience with the program so far.

I have had an enjoyable experience during this journey of learning. I was anxious to take courses after being out of a classroom setting for so long and was not sure I would be able to adjust and keep up with assignments. The courses are very well designed and informative providing clear learning objectives. 

The ease of the technology surprised me. After familiarizing myself with the online platform it became easy to navigate.

My interactions with the faculty have been very good. They respond promptly to emails and are always willing to help. Their feedback is understood and provides a clearer understanding. The students participate in meaningful discussion posts and are always very nice and considerate as they provide suggestions or ask questions.

How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?

Juggling work, family, and school can be demanding as well as exhausting. I am still working so taking online courses makes for a long day. This is why flexibility was such an important factor for me. I can do my schoolwork anytime in the evening. The main tip I would provide is yes it is challenging but accept the challenge as an opportunity for yourself. You can handle it, just make sure to adequately utilize time management effectively.

What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?

What keeps me motivated to stay in the BA Workplace Leadership program is knowing how beneficial receiving my degree will be professionally offering many opportunities. I also want to be an example showing anyone that it is never too late. If you have the desire it is never too late to accomplish a goal. My family (husband, four adult children, and Mom) motivates me to stay in the program because I want them to be proud of me.

What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?

DO IT! This is the best decision that I have ever made for myself. Yes, it requires work, time, and commitment but it will all be worth it in the end. The sacrifice will pay off.

TU’s motto is: Without risk there is no gain. Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you gained from it?

I took a risk returning to school after many years of not being a student. I was scared because this was a new process of learning, something so different and I did not want to be unsuccessful again. This time I changed my focus and my mindset and now I am well on my way to receiving my bachelor’s degree. Again, without risk, there is no gain.