Firsthand Experiences

Meet Lt. Linda Varela
United States Air Force
BBA - Management

Military Student

Linda Varela spent 13 years enlisted in the United States Air Force before she asked herself, "What do I have to do to become an officer?" One answer for her and anyone else enlisted in any branch of the armed forces is to continue your education. "Even with 13 years experience I needed a Bachelor's degree in order to be promoted to the officer corps." After earning her degree from AIU and becoming an officer, the enlisted personnel now render a salute to Lt. Varela.

Earning a Bachelor's degree while balancing military duties with family life is no small feat and Linda knew that from the beginning. "Attending classes in a traditional setting was not even a consideration for me. It would have been impossible for me as a working mother with my hectic work schedule. I needed to enroll in an accelerated program that would also be flexible for me. I contacted several universities that accept state financial aid and funding from the GI Bill, but none of them appealed to me until I called AIU Online. The accelerated program offered through AIU Online, in which I could take two classes at a time strictly online, was a perfect fit for me."

AIU Online not only offers accelerated degree programs with the flexibility that can allow students with other responsibilities to plan within their busy schedules, but also a course structure that is appealing to military students like Linda. "The schedule of assignments at AIU Online is consistent, which helped me plan ahead within my schedule. The structure of the courses in my degree program enabled me to track my progress towards earning my degree in increments. Clearly visible short-term goals were always in my sights, which helped motivate me throughout my degree program. When I began, I felt like there was no end in sight, but as I quickly and precisely progressed through my courses towards my graduation date, I gained confidence from knowing exactly when I would make my dream a reality. The structure of my program at AIU Online helped keep me going despite my hectic schedule."

Earning a degree through AIU Online paid off for Linda after graduation. She was immediately accepted to the Academy of Military Science where she was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and her duties and responsibilities drastically changed as a result. "As an enlisted troop member I taught a drug awareness program to fourth and fifth grade students and I was awarded an Air Force Achievement Medal for my work. As a commissioned officer, however, I now perform anti-terrorism duties for the wing commander of my unit. Earning my degree enabled me to earn the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and with that came more responsibility."

Engaging new responsibilities can be a tough mission, but thanks to AIU Online Linda is armed and ready. "My courses in Global Strategic Management and Concepts in Organizational Behavior have given me a better understanding of how the Air National Guard operates. That understanding has helped me work within certain parameters to get the job done. I work with many different personalities and each individual may have a different idea of how to complete a mission. I have learned how to be a better mediator, facilitate teamwork and combine the best of the ideas at my disposal in order to get the best results. I found that the concepts I learned in the business management program through AIU Online have many practical applications in my office and those concepts probably have the same relevance in most military offices."

Handling new responsibilities, getting positive results and earning more respect from the enlisted force by fostering teamwork have led to higher aspirations. Lt. Varela's long term goals are a testimonial to that. "I can aim higher now that I am an officer. I would like to continue my military career until retirement. My ultimate goal is to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General before I retire. I would also like to enroll in the MBA degree program through AIU Online because I think that may help me achieve that goal. When I retire from the military, perhaps I can begin another career in politics. Before I enrolled at AIU Online, I thought my age was an issue. As it turned out, I bought myself a lot of time.