Current occupation:
Police officer
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I wanted to get my degree so I could pursue my career in Forensic Science and get on the Homicide Unit.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
Tiffin University has a great reputation for having the best professors who really focus on their students’ learning. The university had many options for online students as well.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
My experience with the BCJ Contemporary Justice program has been amazing. I was so nervous in reference to the workload and how the instructors were. The technology was easier to use because I had used similar technology at my other college.
Every interaction I have had with the staff and other students has been amazing. I have learned so much from everyone. The staff has been so kind and caring. You can tell the staff are very passionate about teaching.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
I work full-time 12-hour shifts, rotating days and nights. I am dual enrolled in my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I juggle my family life and work life and school life with a written schedule. I have scheduled homework days and scheduled days with family. It is hard but I’ve been doing this since 2015.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
Getting good grades helps me stay motivated. Every assignment is a smaller goal that gets me closer to my big life goal. Every semester is another goal. You have to set smaller goals to keep you motivated.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
If I can go to school full time, work full time, and still have family time. You can do it too. Like I said before, you have to make smaller goals for yourself and be proud of yourself with every small goal. Every small goal you complete is one step closer to your big goal. And it will come, with time and patience.
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 the risk of dual enrolling in my bachelor’s and master’s degrees to complete them quicker. I risked how much it would cost me, I risked having any time for myself. I risked putting too much on my plate. But the risk is giving me so much gain in the end, and it is so worth it. Sometimes you have to hunker down and work hard and suffer a little to gain. I am so thankful that I took the risk. I am proud of myself.