Keep working hard!!!

[daniellevine]

I just received my diploma in the mail today, and I am ecstatic. So for everyone still working towards their degree, keep up the hard work because it WILL pay off! I got a B.S. in Liberal Studies, and I've now had several job offers that would not have been available (needed a minimum bachelor's degree) before this journey. I also live in California, where the economy is really bad; I think in other states you will find that a degree will open even more doors for you.

The diploma looks awesome! I've heard some criticism of the Excelsior diplomas, but I love the way it looks (with the exception of the "Magna Cum Laude" label because it looks like a gold star from a third grade homework assignment =) ). You will feel really proud of your achievement when you are done, and it is definitely, definitely worth it. I have two friends that have been "in school" for the last seven years, taking one class after another, commuting after work, taking out loans, and waiting to get into the classes required by strict guidelines. They scoffed at me about my self-study plan and about the idea of distance-learning. Well, they are still frustrated and stuck, and refusing to listen to me. Their loss. It takes a unique plan of self-direction action, and perhaps a little bravery, to think for yourself and achieve your goals. And of course it helps a lot, as in my case, when your family members and spouse are supporting you every step of the way. All I know is that last year, at this time, I badly wanted to finish my degree, but the reality of going to classes between jobs, filling core requirements in subjects I hate, and borrowing student loans, made this seem like a distant fantasy.

So, keep up the hard work and use all of the tools you have here! InstantCert, the support on this forum, and your own determination WILL win in the end.

Best of luck to all of you, and thank you for all of your support in helping me earn my bachelor's degree!