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| Cathryn with three of her eight grandchildren. |
Cathryn Vandiver
Age: 56
Institution: Dalton State College
Why is completing your college degree important
to you?
Completing my college degree will be a dream come true! I
started this journey over 37 years ago and did not finish. Since then, I have
raised a family as a single parent for 14 years with three young children. I
worked two jobs for many years, and I was a legal secretary for attorneys for
over twenty years. I currently keep three of my grandchildren while my two daughters
teach school. I want my college degree because I need it to pursue my ultimate
goal, and to be an inspiration to others that it is never too late to learn and
contribute to society! Thank you for the opportunity eCore gives students like
me who could not otherwise attend classes in person to get their college degree.
Why did you choose to take online classes
through eCore?
It was offered by the college I wanted to attend, Dalton
State College.
How would you describe the instructors you've
had in your eCore classes?
This is the first time I have ever had eCore or online
classes before so it is very new to me. The two professors I have seem to
really care about us succeeding and try very hard to explain any questions we
have. So far, so good!
Besides being a college student, what do you
spend your time doing?
I keep three of my grandchildren, ages 2, 3, and 5. My
hobby is studying the Bible and I spend time with my elderly aunt, age 81, who
recently had two strokes. I have 8 grandchildren so I make sure I spend quality
time with them also.
How and when do you make time to spend on your
school work?
I spend a lot of time reading and I am one of those
students who has to read first before I can discuss. I want to know what I am
going to be discussing! I cannot skip to the specific point, I have to read the
lesson. That is hard for me. I would say I spend at least four hours every day
on eCore classes.
What would you say to someone who is
considering taking their first online class through eCore?
That it’s great! It is taking me a little time to get to
where I can discuss earlier in my weekly assignments but I am learning and the
program is set up for just that, for us to learn! I highly recommend it and
look forward to many more eCore classes. One big advantage, you have a calendar.
There is nothing that can interfere like in a classroom. You know exactly what
is expected of you and you do it! It certainly is the only way I can attend
college at this stage in my life, and you meet lots of wonderful students in
your discussions. If you don't need outside motivation, if you are focused on
your goals at college, eCore might be the right answer for you!
What has been the best thing about your eCore
experience?
The best thing about my eCore experience is bringing the
classroom into my home so I can work on my lessons at my convenience. I am
learning so much, and retaining, I believe, more than I do in a classroom. It
seems to be working not only for a grade but for why I am here which is to
learn!
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