Hi, and Welcome to Walden University. I'll Be Your Guide Today

I had a simple goal. To go back to college and get my undergraduate degree so that I could obtain steady, gainful employment, help others, and support myself as much as possible. It sounds easy, I know, but throw a disability in the mix and you've got yourself a whole new set of obstacles, both big and small.

I had no access to reliable transportation, plus I had to take my physical and emotional needs into account. I didn't give up, rather I began to think outside the box to reach my goal. I started college in 2007, but left in 2009 because that particular school didn't turn out to be a good fit. I immediately began scouring the internet for a school that would fit both my career and personal goals. I saw an online ad for Walden and decided to take a chance and enrolled just in time to start classes on January 10, 2010.

Walden is an online university, meaning you can study whenever and wherever you need to without worrying about weather, commutes, or being late to class. However, you are still responsible for turning in assignments and actively participating in class.

New Walden students take heart. You can navigate the maze and stay on your A game if you keep the following tips in mind. Don't learn the hard way like I did. Know who your advisors are, and write down their contact information, including e-mail. Follow up on any requests and make sure all paperwork is in order ahead of time. Attend orientation classes and get familiar with the school's interface and login procedures. If you're unsure of anything, contact Student Support and they'll get you up and running, or point you in the right direction.

Order your books as soon as possible, and review the syllabus. Contact the professor if you need clarification on anything. Answer all questions as thoroughly and completely as possible, and post on time! Check your answers for spelling and grammatical errors. Use the school's writing center and tutor services often. Check in to class every couple of days if you can, or as your schedule allows. One strategy I've found
\invaluable is what I call the "pockets of time" method. When you're waiting at the doctor's office, on your lunch break, or when you have free time; in my case, I tend to study in bursts, i.e. when I have the energy, or a low pain day, and I do my best to get everything done early or on the date it's due. Figure out a schedule that works best for you, and never be afraid to ask for help.

It's an intense experience for me, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Good luck, and never give up!