Skip to main content

Meet eMajor Student George Rhaney, Working Father of Three


George Rhaney, 49
Fort Valley State University
Major: Organizational Leadership
Expected Graduation - May 2016

How many eMajor courses have you taken (or are you taking currently)?  I'm smiling as I have lost count!  I've been taking eMajor classes for a year and a half now.

Why is completing your degree important to you?  My story may differ from the average eMajor student in regard to my primary reason for completing this degree.  As a full-time operations manager with over 21 years of experience and as a husband with three beautiful children, my primary reason for returning to earn my degree lies within the existence of my children.   My wife and I take our children's education seriously.  At 6, 8 and 15, each understands our expectation for higher education.  Though they have examples within our family of doctors, surgeons, and educators, I was a little embarrassed my name wasn't among them.  While those professions are not my goal, I wanted to be an example to never give up! 

What are your career goals?  I am seriously considering the pursuit of a Master's Degree.  Since sharing my upcoming graduation with my current employer, I've been given a raise to take effect graduation week!  My immediate career goals are focused on eventually joining the ranks of senior management within my organization where I will be able to use the skill set learned within eMajor!  

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  As most boys my age, I wanted to be a professional football player, CEO of a business, a motivational speaker, and a preacher!   I'm laughing at that combination.

Why did you choose to take online classes through eMajor?  After researching the available options, eMajor proved to be the most reliable, accredited and financially astute choice for me. 

What eMajor class has been your favorite?  Honestly, I can't pinpoint one particular favorite as I've learned something from each class, even at this stage in life where I thought I knew a lot!

How would you describe the instructors you’ve had in your eMajor classes?  Because of my age, I've been able to connect rather well with my instructors as I have had a lot in common with most of them.  They have proven to be fair, willing to go above and beyond in assisting their students, yet to offer constructive criticism when necessary.  If I had to sum up my overall experience with my instructors in two words, it would simply be this..."They Care."

Besides being a college student, what do you spend your time doing? Honestly, my hobbies have been put on hold during this season of my life for obvious reasons.  When not in school, I enjoy photography and operating one of several TV production cameras at church. 

How and when do you make time for your schoolwork?  The great thing about eMajor is that I can do homework at odd times such as early in the morning before preparing for work or late during the evening on the weekends after spending time with the family.  During crunch time, I can always take as much time as necessary on the weekends as well.

Who inspires you and why?  My children inspire me because I must BE what I expect from them.  With that mindset, they keep me on my toes!

What would you say to someone who is considering an online degree through eMajor?  After returning to the classroom 25 years later, if "I" can succeed as a full-time manager, husband, and father of three, YOU can succeed too!  It's just a matter of time management and support from those within your closest circle.

Comments

Y. Wilcher said…
Congrats to you! May God continue to bless you and your family on this journey.
May 17, 2016 at 6:37 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spring Semester: Overcoming the January Blues

Spring semester often presents with the excitement of New Year’s Resolutions, new classes and the knowledge that spring break is just a few weeks away. However, it also brings a sense of sadness for many students as December holiday activities have concluded and the days are short. For online students, these feelings of general sadness can be even more pronounced if the student is isolated. Fewer people are outdoors during the cold days of winter and social activities have likely slowed down. Following are a few tips for feeling your best as the semester unfolds. Know that you aren’t alone. The January Blues and the February Slump are well recognized. If you have these feelings, embrace them and understand that occasional blues are normal. Get outdoors . As an online student, it’s very important that you are intentional about spending time in the sunlight. Some believe that the January blues are caused in part by the lack of sunlight (as compared to summer months). Take time for daily...
Post a Comment
Read more

USG eCampus Helps HR Staffer Find Second Chance at College After Pandemic

Jasmin Khan recalls the unease she felt when working at a hospital as a Human Resources Assistant during COVID-19. Like so many, Khan found unexpected challenges when the pandemic brought physical and emotional hardships to most Americans. Acknowledging the “chaos in her life” caused by the pandemic, she left the job she loved to take a remote role.  While remote work felt safer, she soon realized that her lack of a four-year degree limited her career opportunities. When considering pursuing a promotion, she became concerned that she had the skill set but was lacking the required level of education. No matter how impressive her experience, career progression was difficult without a bachelor’s degree.  And as a busy mother of two young children, she found flexible and affordable options for returning to school very limited. The Search for Flexibility and Quality Then she discovered Georgia Southwestern University’s online programs through USG eCampus. “It felt like a breath of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Fall Job Fairs Announced for Students Across the USG

A priceless benefit of being a student at a college or university in the University System of Georgia (USG) is the opportunity to attend job fairs. Job fairs often attract companies to campuses who are eager to hire upcoming graduates. Taking advantage of these events while still a student can provide you with opportunities that may be harder to find later. Even if attending a job fair doesn’t lead directly to employment, the experience of networking and talking to recruiters will be beneficial. Below is a list of just some of the job fairs scheduled for Fall 2024 across the USG.  If you’re institution is not listed, check the career services page on your institution’s website. New information for fall fairs may be forthcoming. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College What: General career fair with employers, internships, and graduate schools When: November 6, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For: All ABAC students Where: Tifton Campus Albany State University What: General career fair with ...
Post a Comment
Read more