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After 20 years away from college, she went back to learn for a job in healthcare

I surprised myself with how well I was able to acclimate to online learning.

5/26/10

My first experience with college was over 20 years ago. At the time, I was a single mother trying to juggle a full-time job, two young children and coursework.

Unfortunately, it proved to be too much and I had to put my education on hold. I spent the next two decades working mostly in customer service jobs, but in the midst of the recession and approaching my 40th birthday, I decided that it was time to go back to college so that I could get a stable career and wouldn’t have to worry anymore about the threat of layoffs or possible unemployment.

I started looking into schools and programs to find out what would be the best fit, and online education seemed to make the most sense both for my schedule and financially.

I wanted a degree in a field that would have lots of job opportunities and I’m interested in healthcare, so last September I enrolled in the Medical Administrative Assistant Associate’s Degree program at Bryant & Stratton College Online. Once I graduate, I’ll have the education I need to get a job working in a hospital or at a doctor’s office.

While I admit that I was a little nervous about going back to school after so much time off and I didn’t know what to expect, I surprised myself with how well I was able to acclimate to online learning.

I’ve found that I really enjoy it and now I’m not only going to school for job security, but for myself as well. I also like that I’m able to serve as a role model for my children and grandchildren, showing them that a college degree is important and that it is never too late to get an education.

Melissa Johnson lives in Campbellsville, Ky., and is currently a student at Bryant & Stratton College Online in the Medical Administrative Assistant Associate’s Degree program. Prior to enrolling at Bryant & Stratton College Online, Melissa spent more than 20 years in various customer service roles. She has two grown children and is married.

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