Firsthand Experiences
Meet Sarah Loutzenhiser
U.S. Navy
Military Student
Legalman Second Class Sarah Loutzenhiser has two more years to go before her commitment to the Navy expires. When that happens, she isn’t sure what she’s going to do but knows that whether she stays in the military or enters the civilian world she’ll be better off for having gotten her Bachelor’s degree (and possibly even her Master’s).
“I want to be able to take care of my family either with or without the Navy, and that is what is motivating me to finish my degree.”
But Sarah, like many in the military, doesn’t have the time to attend classes two or three times a week. “An online degree is the only kind that works for me because I am able to study and do my homework whenever it is convenient. And I’ve found AIU Online’s coursework, in particular, has real-world value, while traditional universities generally use tests to assess a student’s knowledge. I know I’m not wasting time and effort on concepts that are not important.”
“Attending an online school makes it very easy to balance work and military duties. I am currently on shore duty, so I don’t have to worry about deploying. I know I will be able to complete my school work no matter how busy I am at work because I can do it whenever. Working late doesn’t affect my ability to attend class or to do my homework. And it’s really easy to check the virtual classroom if I have some down time during the day.”
Not only did Sarah choose an online degree, but she also went with an accelerated one. The accelerated nature of AIU Online’s programs appealed to Sarah because it allows her to finish her Bachelor’s degree well before her EAOS (End of Active-duty Obligated Service) in January 2007. If so inclined-and right now she’s thinking she might be-Sarah could even go on and get an accelerated Master’s degree before that date. “I could leave the military with two degrees if I wanted to.”
Sarah admits accelerated classes are very intense but, because they are shorter, she says it is no problem to stay interested and focused and that the quick transition between classes makes it easier to understand how all the different course concepts and objectives relate. “When I attended traditional universities, I often felt some concepts covered were irrelevant or over-discussed. At AIU Online—and I’m about half-way through my degree program now—I have never felt time was wasted on irrelevant subject matter.”
“Going to college full time while being in the military is a challenge, but it can be done by anyone who stays focused and determined. I’ve spent a lot of Saturdays doing homework, but that’s better than spending months, or even years, in a job I hate because I can’t advance or because I can’t find anything better.”
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