Jamie Wagner, BSCJ in Homeland Security and Terrorism Student
Current occupation: (Civilian) Construction Management / (Military – Ohio Army National Guard) Combat Engineer
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I set a goal for myself as a teenager that I was going to serve my country and get a college education then commission as an officer in the Army. As a young adult I worked hard to provide for a family and as a result had to put my plans on hold. Now, in my older years, I have a very supportive family and a wonderful wife that allow me the time it takes to work on my degree. My goals have never changed, just the timeline.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I worked with a few locations and ultimately chose Tiffin because the adviser I worked with made me feel welcome from day one and was so helpful for me. I continue to work with amazing people at the school everyday. It was also one of the only schools to have a program that truly fit into a working adults lifestyle.
I worked with a few locations and ultimately chose Tiffin because the adviser I worked with made me feel welcome from day one and was so helpful for me. I continue to work with amazing people at the school everyday.
What has been your experience with the program so far?
I have found it challenging but, it is set up for success. If you follow the weekly layout and plan your work, you can manage it all. All the teachers I have worked with have been very knowledgeable and helpful. They have interacted through online posts and leave very good feedback.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
I have goals that are set in stone. I am working on a degree that has many courses that interest me and as a result I am willing and ready for the next lesson. I also travel for my civilian work, and it can be trying at times to stay motivated, but I just remember how long it took to get to this point and that failure is never an option.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going back to school?
Stop thinking about it and do it! Life is never going to slow down, there will never be a perfect time and there is no one but yourself stopping you. Get over yourself and your fears and make the commitment of making yourself better tomorrow than you are today!
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 enlisted in the military at a very young age, was injured and as a result discharged. I fought to get back in the Army for years and finally got my chance when I was 34 years old. I took the risk of going through it all again, from basic training to starting over in a combat unit at 35. I was successful than and still now, the reward is serving my country and getting a chance to fulfill my goals of service and education.
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