Western Governors University Top Questions

There are many reasons why college is so valuable. The importance of a good education cannot be overestimated. Of all the different reasons for college, the principal one, knowledge, forms the basis of lifelong education. It is important to continue learning throughout life, and a solid base of general knowledge is a good beginning to this process. Also, I appreciate college for the credential I will receive when I complete my studies. This degree will enable me to get jobs that I want, pursue my career, and to meet my life goals. A degree cannot guarantee a job or job security, but it can help in finding these things. The benefit I personally value the most is the development of good work ethic and study habits. This benefit is expanded by the fact that I attend an online school, because my studies require me to be an independent and self-motivated learner. While college occupies a relatively short period of time, education is ongoing. The things I have learned in college will help my education for the rest of my life.

I believe that education is the biggest part of someone's life. Everyone deserves a chance at a good education. My college experience has opened my eyes to a bigger, more functional world. My parents don't make a great amount of income but they try their hardest to make my college dreams come true. I value every moment I can so that I can advance in the world.

I get to finally finish a goal I sat out to accomplish almost 20 years ago. It ihas been a long difficult road. I can't wait to get out there and teach!! I have a son with special needs and he has been my inspiration!!! At 36 years old if I can do it anyone can!! It is never to late to get an education.

Before I attended WGU I was a student at the University of New Hampshire. I originally was going to school for business. Once I switched to WGU I changed my major to teaching. WGU showed me that I can get a great education without getting myself into debt. I do not have financial support from my family but I did not want that to hold me back from achieving my dream of becoming a teacher. The passion of the faculty and staff at WGU keeps me motivate and determined to finish my degree. When I graduate I will have many loans to pay back for my first college. WGU allows me to receive help through financial aid and scholarships to help prevent that from happening again. College is about learning, not about getting yourself in debt. WGU makes me excited to learn and to graduate and start my life as a teacher!

I have not only improved my teaching skills while taking courses at Western Governors University (WGU), but I have also improved my parenting skills. I have three children who are sometimes rather trying. Courses related to behavior management have helped me deal with my own children's misbehaviors in a more calm and rational manner. I also feel that I have been able to better assist my children with their homework on a more confident and higher level after taking only a few courses with WGU. Additionally, my college experience has been very valuable in helping grow my child care business. I have implemented pre-school curriculum into my program and the children seem to be responding in a very positive way. The implementation of this curriculum has also made the children's parents happy that they are learning through play and most importantly, enjoying it!

I'm still early in the process but the value of a college education is tremendous. It could lead to a better job and numerous other opportunities.

Thus far, I have realized that I am a goal oriented person. I have learned that I can do anything I set my mind to. WGU requires me to be an independent learner and to date I have proven I am just that. I have already tested out of 4 courses in an amazingly short period and have begun to feel like I really can do this. I will have an IT degree in less than four years. I am currently working toward my first of ten IT certifications that will be gained during my time with Western Governors University. I guess what I have gotten most out of my college experience is self-confidence. I know now that my BS in IT will be only a stepping stone to my future and I can and will be more than my husband's wife.

I am learning a new profession that i love, with a very solid foundation. which will hopefully give me the proper tools to succeed in the said profession.

Western Governors University is the best university ever created. I am a substitute teacher with 2 college level dependents kids and a sick husband. I had tried to go back to university to finish my degree and become a teacher but it became impossible to accomplish. Without time, proper transportation and money, it is very difficult to go to university. WGU is online and for $3000 per 6 months, I can do as many credit hours as I am possibly able to do. I can anywhere and anytime I want. I love it so much that once I finish my bachelor, I will enroll in the master degree program. Their support system is wonderful. My mentor is always there for me and any of the teachers I had to contact were readily available or quick to get back to me. I have nothing negative to say about this university.

I am in my first year of a B.S. Information Technology Degree. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things, and the pride that I feel when I pass each course. I recently went to the career center at WGU, just to look around. I noticed IT job opportunities within the real estate industry. Back in 2007, I left a career as a real estate appraiser. I loved being an appraiser, and I miss it very much. I chose my IT major based mostly on job security, and it was a nice surprise to see that I could use my IT degree in a field that I enjoy. I am looking forward to the sense of accomplishment that my degree will give me, and the new and interesting opportunities that it will bring.

Since my enrollement in WGU, I have been able to pace my learning experience to my own personal style. I have the ability to work as fast as I wish to make it to my own personal outcome. I have enjoyed having a mentor to aid in my persuit for success. There is too much value in enrolling with WGU, from the mentors to the course groups to the online library. I couldn't have chosen a better online university.

I have taken classes in business, accounting, and computers. These classes have helped me in running my business and growing it to a point that I sold it. The University I am now attending will help me to gain several new computer industry certifications, which will help me in the future as I look at various jobs.

Basic sociology suggests that children rarely go further in life than their parents. I broke that chain of belief by graduating from college. However, what is most important about my college experience is the fact that my daughter has higher aspirations because of it. The idea of her attending college isn't just an "idea"; it's a plan.

Attending Western Governors University has allowed me the opportunity to further my career and dreams while not having to give up anything at home. I have three children, am married, and have been able to obtain my degree without anyone in my family feeling left out. I always had the support from my mentor and each transition from semester to semester went smoothly. I feel WGU is the perfect school to attend, which is why I chose them for my Masters degree.

Hi.My college experience so far has been great! I've met alot of people with diffrent backgrounds and life styles. Until current date, I'm in my second semester at Miami-Dade College and it's been a very educational experience, I've gotten to learn many things I did'nt know before. It's basicly expanded my knowledge.I've been brought upon older people which in advantage to me, I get to learn the good and the bad from them. It's been valuable to attend college because what I'm studying now is going to benefit me with a career later on. And that is something that I will have with me for the rest of my life. College has been one the most important desicion I've ever made thanks to my mother. She's the rock behind all of my educational background. I started college when I was 16, I think it's a record, right? Currently, I just turned 17. I got a GED in a little less than 3 months and so here is where I stand today. Thank you.

I have accomplished obtaining a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education in less time than students attending a on campus 4-year program. I completed this degree in 2 1/2 years with the capability of completing it in 2 years. I enjoyed working at my own pace as some fellow students are still attending that began when I did. I completed an internship that prepared me with hands-on experience in a classroom. I was given a clinical supervisor that monitored my progress as well as suggested strategies for improvement. The school also provided a cohort facility and facilitator that provided essential information pertaining to the experience as well as preparation for the future. These experiences have enriched my learning experience.

By going to a campus at which I was scared to death to do it because of my age. I found out there was a lot of us in my same boat and it has been great. Everybody treats me alright and I have even found a friend there. The classes are small where I go so you actually get to know the teacher. When I am having a problem with something all I have to do is raise my hand and someone comes and helps me out. I was scared to go back to school, so ar first I tried it on the internet and that was not for me. I couldn't understand it and got lost real fast. I am enjoying going to school on a campus and believe me I am not the only one going. So my advise to anyone take that first step, there is always time to learn more. You are never to old to learn.

I have received the education that I need to advance in the workforce. I hope to better provide for my son with this knowledge and a new career.

i have learn to become an adult ant to rely on my slef. to get dobe what i need to get done. i learn that through hard work you can acheve anything

I have learned new techniques to aid me in saving my failing business. College has made me more polished and more desireable to future employers.

Going back to college has given me a great since of pride. I have always wanted to get a degree but post-poned when I became pregnant. I feel it is very important for all of us to receive a quality education. I feel that if you are going to pay the money and enroll in college, you should work very hard to receive the most out of the courses. I am looking forward to finishing my teaching degree and working with students of my own. I plan to do some mentoring as well.

I have been able to accelerate my degree due to the experience I had in my field prior to entering college. My mentor has been supportive in my endeavors.

Because Western Governors University is run on a competancy based credit system rather than a credit hour, or how long one actually spends in the classroom each week, system, I feel as though I am learning much more throughout this program than I did through the previous program I did at a traditional university, Penn State. I already have one bachelor's degree, which I completed in the spring of 2010 in Psychology, but I am going back to Western Governor's University in order to earn my second bachelor's in Special Education, as teaching has always been my dream. My experience at WGU has been very valuable. I am able to keep my current job as a therapist at a large inpatient hospital, and complete my second degree at the time of day which I choose. The academic mentors and other staff was extremely helpful and made my experience a positive one. I feel as though the thing that I got most out of my experience at WGU was an extensive and in depth knowledge of the education system and how to be a successful teacher, who can be held to high standards and meet all of them.

I am learning that I am a lot smarter than I thought I was. I was really worried about going back to school after almost 25 years. But WGU's mentor program is a God-send. I am also learning why my employer wanted me to have the degree first. I have learned some things in some of my classes that I have been able to apply to my every-day life and job. For instance, after starting a research paper for one of my classes, I am starting to think critically on all of the e-mails I am writing at work. On a personal side, my going back to school has been a real positive influence for my children. They are seeing that mommy does "walk the walk". I am not asking them to do any more than what I do myself. My future looks brighter because of going back to school, and I believe that I will have many more opportunities and options because of it.

My college experience has opened my eyes to the opportunities available to students searching for unconventional means of earning their degrees. My first two years of college were spent at a community college, and I was happy to discover the online aspect of learning that was offered and promoted. As a result of my positive experience with online courses, I am now enrolled in an all-online university. College has demonstrated the growing connect between academia and real-world work and life experiences. I have been able to explore the world as never before, in ways that allow me to apply my discoveries to classroom assignments. Learning is not about pop quizzes and school dances! College has shown me that learning occurs continuously, and does not end with the semester.

To begin my educational journey, I decided to attend a community college. Other than saving a fortune, my decision has exposed me to diversity between people and interests. I am very glad to meet new people everyday that broaden my outlook on life and enrich my knowledge. I am more responsible since I have begun college, and this is a vital step in becoming independent. I am also a first generation college student and my education is of the utmost importance in creating an opportunity for the rest of my family to do the same.

I HAVE GOT AN EXPERIENCE THAT I NEVER NOTICED IN HIGH SCHOOL BUT I WAS A CHILD THEN WITH NO RESPONSIBILITIES AND NOW IM AN ADULT WITH 4 GIRLS ONE DISABLED WITH BILATERAL PFFD THAT MADE ME LOOK AT LIFE DIFFERENT I HAVE NO CAREER AND A FELON AT HAND AND DONT WANT MY GIRLS TO FOLLOW MY FOOTSTEPS ITS IMPORTANT THAT I STAY MOTVIATED AND GRADUATE TO SHOW THEM THAT I DIDNT LET NOTHING GET IN MY WAY AND WONT AND THEY NEED TO HAVE THE SAME MENTALITY. STAYING IN SCHOOL AND FOCUSED NOW IS NOT THAT HARD SINCE IM DETERMINED AND HAVE A REASON TO STRIDE AND NOT GOOF OFF ABOUT IT BECAUSE WITH NO INCOME AND A BACKGROUND THAT WONT LET ME EVEN GET IN A FAST FOOD RESTUARANT MY PRIDE IS TO HIGH TO SETTLE FOR LESS NEVER THE LESS TO LET MY CHILDREN SETTLE FOR LESS ESPECIALLY ONE I HAVE TO CARRY AROUND ON MY HIP SINCE BIRTH ITS DIFFICULT AND IM GETTING THREW IT WITH BILLS AND ALL EVEN IF IM BEHIND AND MY LIGHTS GET CUT OFF IM STILL UP AT SCHOOL GET THREW THE DAY WITH MY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS BEHIND ME.

The children are grown and my job is nice, but what value is there in my job? I need value! Hmmm, I never went to college, I was too busy raising four children. So, (why not?)… Off to school I go. I think I will become a teacher. Teaching has value! Maybe middle school is for me. Maybe MATH! Yes, that is IT! The search for the perfect university and the perfect program began. Western Governors University (WGU) was my first choice, but not my only choice. I had conducted enough research to be comfortable with my decision to obtain by degree through an online program. Of course, many universities offered online programs, but WGU not only offered online, but also offered a highly accredited competency based extended term program which was perfect for my life as a wife, mother, grandmother, small-business owner / manager, etc. Deadlines (or due dates) were established by the student and his or her mentor, during each six month term, enabling me to create a personalized learning environment. Thus, with WGU’s courses of study, I was ensured academic success... Today, I love helping my 8th grade at-risk students learn to love math!

The value of my college experience has far exceeded my expectations. My undergraduate experience permeates every facet of my life. In my professional life it represents only a line on my resume, but for prospective employers it represents self-determination, hard work and a drive for self-improvement. That line in your resume makes yours rise to the top of a stack of resumes that do not include a college education. In my personal life my education has had a different but equally important impact on my life. It helps me enjoy books at levels I would not know existed if it were not for classes like “Critical Thinking”. It helps me with holding conversations about current topics of the day or playing alongside Jeopardy at home on TV. It simply makes my life better. At work my education helps me navigate corporate politics, manage meetings, and presentations. It helps me make ethical choices. Without classes like Psychology, Sociology, and Business Ethics I would not have the tools that make it possible for me to successfully accomplish what I have. Education has been the foundation of my personal and professional life and the value of that is immeasurable.

Ozarks Technical Community College has been a great school. The classes are small and the professors are intelligent and try as hard as they can to make sure you are understanding the material. The students here are hard working as well most tend to be older and are there to get a new start.

I have gotten a lot of knowledge and hands-on training for the career I am interested in. Also it has helped me figure out that being a pharmacy technician is the right career for me. I attended a vocational school because it had the best schedule for me and it provided me with the classes I needed and I didn't have to wait to take the classes I wanted to take like at a community college. It has also been valuable because I have learned how a pharmacy runs and what type of setting I would like to work in. My instructor is very nice and doesn't hesitate when you have a question which has been very helpful.

I have been attending Joliet Jr College since fall 2008 and feel like I have grown a lot as a person. College gives you the opportunity to expand your knowledge on everything from English to Science, Culture and Diversity, and most importantly find who you are as a person! My college education is very valuable because it has pushed me to go farther than I thought I would. I want to learn more and become a valued person in society. I currently am a Medical Assistant at a pediatric office. My biggest goal in life is to become a nurse at a children’s hospital. I want to become a nurse to help people, children, and families. I want to give hope, share my knowledge, and help change healthcare for the better!

It has tought me to be well organized and be better prepared for the future ahead. it has been valuable because i know what i have to do to become succesful and the steps to accomplish that goal.

I have realized how important it is to want more for myself. I grew up told to be humble with what God gives me. I thought then that meant to not want more than what I already have because it was in way disagreeing with God's plan. As I grow older and grow to understand what my family meant when they told me that I realized that this life that I have witnessted is not it. This is not all that is out there. When t.v. shows men and women in long white jackets walking around with clipboards. I can be that person. I can live a life that doesn't require me to worry how the bills are going to get paid next month. It is possible. I am more than humble and blessed with what I have recieved so far but god would not have allowed me to realize this if I would be go agianst him. I won't have to worry and I have the chance to break this overpowering cycle of poverty.

I start college tomorrow. But i am hoping to gain friendships and the knowledge that I need to obtain a career that I will love. I believe attending college will be a wonderful experience for me not only will i be obtaing knowledge for a career i will also learn things that could help me in life. I also believe that me going to school will set a great example for my daughter and my younger siblings.

College truly helps your education of the world. The education you obtain is probably the most important thing you could possibly do. Your eyes open up after your college education.

I have gotten opportunities to better my life and the life of my family. College has opened doors to further career advancement , personal satisfaction, and expanded my knowledge. It has, and will continue to allow me to help provide for my family in these hard economic times. It is a great investment in my future. Especially at WGU, I have gotten a great asset to further my education. They mentor based, competency based education is a revolutionary step forward in education. I think it is the way all education will be in the future, and am excited to be part of it today.

Everything

One major and valuable thing I got out of my college experience is interaction with my course mates, academic professors and mentors. Even though my school is distance learning based, the interaction with fellow school mates both academically and socially has been greatly impressive. New ideas discussed, great sense of humors diplayed among ourselves, and group school works interaction are few among the enjoyment I have enjoyed with my school mates. Another experience enjoyed revolves around sound relationship with my academic professors and mentors. The first-class assistance , and mentoring of great quality offered are highly enjoyable and commendable. In addition to their academic assistance, they have been impressive on the aspect of social interaction too. Most of times, I could not believe this is not a distance learning based college.

My college experience presented an opportunity to prove something to myself. As in making best out of this opportunity I have became more self confident when approaching new tasks of duties. knowing that when I apply myself things can and will get done. Attending Western Governor’s University has provided me with a purpose in life. As disturbing as it may sound I had no reason to get out of bed. After running the streets for years I chose to separate myself from certain individuals in my life. My association with those people left me with two possible paths in life. One path would have led me to prison and the other would have taken me to an early grave.After a great while of living my life trying to live right I was lost left wondering what was next for me. One day I had an epiphany and decided to pursue a college degree. My education gives me a reason to stay off the street and provides purpose to my life. The value of these things I have learned about myself along with the life changes I have undergone could only compare to walking beside Jesus Christ himself.

I have enjoyed my experience so far at college because I believe it is a place where people can not only get to know other individuals, but also a place to find out who you are. To me, finding out who you are personally is a must. Some people may never get to do this but rather go through life as a robot going from job to job and never being fully satisfied. To me, going to college gives someone that ability to go out and find themselves, to be themselves, and most of all, get to know other people from around the block, or even the world, who are also out there studying the same things. It's a great experience and if anyone were to have the chance I think it would be worth their time and money to attend college.

I have just begun this experience but I am looking forward to it. I am 38 years old and after 19 years I have finally been able to attend college and pursue a degree. Western Governers University allows me to maintain my full time career and still have a family life while attending classes on my schedule.

What I have gleaned from my college experience is an exceptional opportunity for being a student, and for being an educator. How am I both a student and educator? Attending Western Governors University as a distance-learning student forces us students to think on our feet, so to speak. We have our classes on-line, so not being in a traditional setting teaches us how to lead ourselves. In learning how to lead ourselves, we learn to lead others. In learning to lead others, we can change the world, one person at a time.

Attending college has given me a chance to learn new skills. I have learned how to wisely manage my time to complete my schoolwork and still hold down a job. Time management is a valuable skill to have in any field of work and if I had not learned it at such a young age, I don?t think I would be successful in life. While attending college I have also met some influential people and made lifelong friendships. There is nothing more important than having friends since they are the people who help to make us the adults we grow into. Our friends and family are the people who are supposed to support us in our endeavors and without the people I have met during my college career, I would not be as successful as I find myself to be today.

My Associates degree allowed me to work in a management postition in the printing industry. One thing that college has taught me is time management which I use on a daily basis. I hope to put my past college experiences to work for me to earn my Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering to make a better life for my family.

The courses that I am taking have allowed me to be more proficient in my work since it is closely related.

While attending Fresno City College--Madera Campus, I have learned a great deal about my major. I now have a better understanding of what it is going to take to become a Psychologist. While I know I am only beginning my journey towards my goal of becoming a Psychologist, I feel my experience at Madera Campus is very fulfilling. The class ratio is such that there are, at most, 20 students to an instructor. Most of my instructors have been available to work one on one with me. This has been invaluable to me. I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder while a Senior in high school. I currently do not take medication for my ADD because the learning environment at Madera Campus allows me to stay focused and on task. My teachers and fellow students are all very friendly and supportive of everyone on campus. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Madera Campus and would highly recommend it to everyone. Madera Campus is located in a rural area in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. It is 3 hours from San Francisco and Sacramento and it is 1 hour south of beautiful Yosemite National Park. Thank you.

Attending college can change ones life tremendously because it is a place where variety of people gather to learn and share different informations and techniques to achieve thier future goal. Since I attended college I have learned that surviving life is not an easy task to lived. It takes great discipline and knowledge to able to establish a good life. By going to college, it is possible to learn different traditions and cultures from various kinds of ethnicity and use that as a tool to expland your knowledge, especially your matters of being able to communicate to other people. I believe that school is essential to ones person life because there are many informations and events that you have to experience to be able to sucessfull. College experience is a good tool to use to move on in ones life. Being able to attend college for me is a blessing because I have to oppotunity to further expand my knowledge like some other people dont have. I find college a great place to learn not only academicly but also socially and I believe that by going at school, it has transformed me as good and intelligent person, compared before.

More than anything, college has taught me how to manage my time, responsibilities and personal life, all very important in the healthy lifestyle of a responsible adult. In mandatory K-12 schooling, the student has no choice but to attend the required classes in order to graduate and fufill the requirements of society. In secondary education, however, school is a choice and a priviledge. It can be somewhat of a shock to learn to balance possible work and class responsibilities as an adult, and accept consequences for your own actions, whether good or bad. College is a time when I learned to act and relate to others as an adult, a responsible individual who not only was capable of earning good grades in class, but able to manage a steady job and still enjoy nurturing relationships with friends. A healthy person is a well-balanced person, and college has helped me learn to balance my life and live skillfully.

My college experience has opened a new world of possibilities to me. I am born and raised in the heart of Baltimore City; a place that seems to offer few options for a progressive destiny for its youth, but through education I have obtained a positive new route to productivity and success. Attending college and speaking with others of my generation about their positive outlook on college education has proved to be immensely valuable to me and my future.