Bradley Wank, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Current occupation: Bartender
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
During the lockdown of 2020, I had a lot of time to reflect. I recognized how, though I enjoyed working with people in my current role, I wanted something different. I began to research careers in human services and decided there was no better time to start!
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I am a little biased on this one. I grew up in the Tiffin area and my father is employed with the university. Growing up, we were able to go to events and functions and I worked summers in high school on the maintenance team. At one point I was also a Post Secondary student with TU, so I knew a little bit about how the classes were structured.
What has been your experience with the program so far?
I have had a great experience so far. The program is definitely designed for working adults. By this I mean it is structured in a way so there are not any curveballs. Everything is laid out and easy to understand. The formatting is uniform within each class, so you know exactly what is due, when, and for me, this was perfect for mapping out a schedule with my other responsibilities. Truthfully, I’ve never had any issues with the technology and if I needed anything clarified, the professors have all been good at communicating effectively.
How has your experience been with your cohort and faculty?
You can join the online program before any term, so once you start you are grouped together with other students who began around the same time. You do not take every class with the same people, but I tend to go a few classes and then see another familiar name in a discussion. Everyone is extremely supportive, we are all in the same boat!
I have had really positive experiences with the faculty at TU. Professors understand life happens, especially as untraditional students. Professors live and work all over the country, so it is interesting to gain their perspectives within the class material. I would say my least favorite experience was more specific to the class I was taking. I was uninterested in the subject. I emailed the professor asking for help to understand the subject, to which he gave me plenty of suggestions, materials, and advice.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
It is completely manageable, you just need to stay on top of it! It’s constant juggling and prioritizing. It’s saying no to friends. It’s late nights and early mornings meshed together with extra (and then an extra) cup of coffee. It’s sitting with intense FOMO while you remind yourself why this is the path you are on and how it will lead to your calling.
It is messy hair days and bad breath. It’s putting off dishes in the sink because you need to write a paper. It’s about changing the way you implement self-care, social circles, and relying on those who get you to keep you going. Yet, it’s all worth it! Assignments are typically due on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If I have something planned on the weekend, I usually work ahead so I can “take the weekend off.”
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
I have learned to rely on my support system. I over-share everything I’m doing, studies I have read, and papers I am writing. Accountability is important! After final grades are posted, I send a screenshot of my report to a group of encouraging individuals. I also generally love what I am studying, and I hope to help advance the field going forward.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Go for it! You will thank yourself later, and you’ve got this!
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 wish I could say I took a risk at the blackjack table and it paid off, but this hasn’t happened yet! In general, though, this motto holds true. Without trying, you’ll never know. Going back to school was a risk, but I continuously feel myself gaining. The time will fly. A full-time student takes 2 classes for one 7-week term. After each term, I feel rewarded and look forward to marking 2 more classes off my curriculum. One day it hit me where I looked at my schedule and thought, “Oh man, I’ve only got 5 classes to go!”