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After dedicating 14 years as a full-time caregiver to her three special needs children, Vernee Thompson made the decision to return to school and pursue a Paralegal associate degree at American National University. Married for 16 years and supported by a strong network of family—including her husband, children, mother, siblings, and extended relatives—she approached her education with determination and purpose. Building on her previous bachelor’s degree, she chose to expand her skill set through ANU’s Paralegal program, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue new professional goals. Her journey reflects resilience, commitment, and the impact of a strong support system in achieving academic and career success.

Her decision to pursue a career in the paralegal field was driven by both practicality and personal interest. After initially planning to earn a second bachelor’s degree, she discovered that her intended program had been dissolved, prompting her to explore alternative educational paths. With a long-standing interest in law, she began researching various legal services careers and identified the paralegal profession as a strong fit. She reviewed programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to ensure quality and credibility. “And since I wasn’t able to attend in person because of children’s disabilities, I decided to see if there were any online schools that the American Bar Association approved of,” she explained. “One of them was American National University, so I reached out to them, they reached back out to me, and that’s how I got enrolled!”

Vernee also highlighted how ANU’s paralegal program expanded her understanding of the paralegal role, as well as prepared her for the realities of the workforce. She explained, “I feel like I – it was a really great course in legal services and legal theory, something I didn’t really think about. Because I’m thinking, ‘oh I’m just a paralegal, I’m just gonna be handling paperwork.’ Well, it’s more than that. You’re also interviewing clients, you’re handling confidential information, you communicating with the courts, you’re communicating with attorneys.” Additionally, learning from career-experienced professors deepened her understanding. “It prepares you for the life of working in a law office – and it helps that your professors are also lawyers, or former paralegals, or current paralegals! So they understood what needs to be done in a law office through our assignments and discussions to help us become paralegals.”

She also pointed to the hands-on tools incorporated into the program as a key part of her preparation, particularly the use of industry-standard legal research platforms like LexisNexis®, which she had access to within her courses. Reflecting on this experience, she shared: “Lexis+ is basically a subscription for legal aid – it helps you look up cases, it helps you research how the cases were decided, how it was treated – was it treated negatively and favorably by the courts – and it gives you the background information on the cases. Also you can use it look up cases – previous cases, supreme court cases, cases in your state, federal as well as state administrative laws, and different things like that. So it was a great, helpful tool… for legal students to use because if you go to your law firm.”

“[ANU] prepares you for life outside of school. It’s not just a bunch of theories, but its real world applications mixed with clinical evaluations when you’re doing your assignments and doing your discussions.”

Throughout her time in the program, she found consistent encouragement and guidance from her instructors, including the Paralegal program dean Wendy Notz, as well as professors teaching her law and business like Traci Dingle, Dr. Lyndsey Obringer, Sheri Clark, and Lisa Custer. Reflecting on their impact, she shared, “All of the professors at ANU have been phenomenal for me. I could reach out to them, they were available for me, to answer questions timely. No question was off limits, everything was clearly explained, and if I had trouble with something, they were very detailed and they were very open and honest with me. All of them were very inspirational for me. So there is not a single one that I could say – they all inspired me, every last one of my professors did.”

Vernee’s future goals are to continue to be a solid figure for her children. Since graduating from ANU, she wants to work within the realm of family law as it was something she focused on in her previous career of social services. However, she takes things day by day. “I take it as it comes, and I just try to live each day to the fullest – because tomorrow is not promised to anybody!”

Would she recommend to ANU to other students looking to earn their higher education? “Yes, I would! I like the ease of the program. It’s still intensive because [a term] is ten weeks. But you learn so much in those ten weeks… You learn synchronously and you learn asynchronously as well,” she explained. “You know I also would recommend it because there’s the flexibility. If you work days, they have night classes – if you work nights, they have day classes. And the professors are very accommodating! I’ve met cohorts in my classes who have full time jobs and are [sic] full-time parents and they still were able to do their work, they were still able to attend their classes.”

“I think no matter where I go in law, I feel like I am prepared more than I would have been if I had not gone to ANU.”

Vernee’s advice to new students: “I would suggest that they do their work – not try to do everything at one time but try to space it out. Know your deadlines. Just time manage. If you have trouble, go to the professors, they’re very accommodating.”

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After fourteen years working as a medical assistant, including time as an office manager, Danielle wanted to focus on the behind-the-scenes portion of healthcare. She wanted to gain knowledge of health information programs to pivot her career, and also to aid her in her future goals of becoming a registered nurse. She chose ANU to get her to this next stage of her career. She joined the Health Information Management program for many reasons. “I chose ANU because, for one, I know that it’s veteran-owned, veteran-founded,” she says. She continues, “when I was researching, I wanted something that had multiple stars, not just general reviews. I wanted something that had strong reviews. And I knew with ANU – looking at the reviews for the college and on social media also – you just see the high reviews for the college. So, for me, that’s what stuck out. And seeing students’ reviews is a huge plus for me.”

Through her experiences with ANU, Danielle’s professors have always stood out to her. Not only is she learning the skills she needs to succeed in her future career, but they have always been there for her to rely on, even when she isn’t in their classes. One who really stands out is Sherry Davis, the very same professor who nominated her to be a Term Trailblazer for Term 254. “I’ve been happy so far! My professors are amazing, I love Mrs. Davis,” she explains. “She’s been there for me through everything, from the beginning to now. Any questions I have, I can just reach out to her with no problem.

It just makes me feel that I’m wanted there as a student – that’s huge!”

Not only that, but Tracy Dingle has stood out to her for the same reasons. “She has high expectations for us as a student, but also if there’s questions, then don’t think we can’t ask [them],” she says of Professor Dingle. No matter what the question is or what Danielle is looking for, her professors have stuck by her side. “They always said, ‘if you’re not in my class, or in any one of the classes I’m teaching, we’ll always be here. Just reach out’.”

In her classes, Danielle is also receiving the experience she needs to jump into the workforce. Through simulations, she has been able to practice the skills she’s learned within her classes. “And doing the simulations we have to do, right now, on the sims chart – it’s fun for me! I sit there and I zoom through a lot of them because I’m like, ‘this is just fun!’ Inputting data, inputting medical history – it’s intriguing to me,” she explains.

“So they’ll give us a patient chart and tell us exactly what to do to document it – under appointment, immunization records, office visits, insurance data – so you’re doing what you would actually be doing in the field! You’re getting the hands-on portion of it.”

Many of Danielle’s initial goals revolved around being there for her family. “My first goal was, obviously, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) in billing and coding. I surpassed that goal – I passed. Ultimately, my goal with that was to work from home and to be able to have the flexibility with my kids,” she says. Upon reaching that goal, Danielle had realized she wanted and could do more. “I’m always one of those that likes to have more than one certification or career – it makes me more well-rounded. So I decided, ‘okay, let me go back for my RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)’ which will give me another step up with my CPC. Because I’m finding a lot of jobs – if you have both, you have a better opportunity at getting that job.” When she finishes her education at ANU, she hopes to work in a hospital setting. And then, in the future, she hopes to return to school to either become a registered nurse or to move into respiratory therapy, as she’s asthmatic and has been researching that field.

Something that is important to Danielle is the way she has returned to education even while taking care of her family. With children in sports and needing more healthcare, her life remains busy, but even so, she is pursuing education. “I am being that example for all four of my kids. If mommy can go back to school, and I can graduate, and I can get high honors, and I can have the 4.0 GPA – you can, too! It takes a little work ethic, it takes a little bit of effort, it takes the time to study, but anybody can do it. And I’m going to be that example for my kids.”

Would she recommend ANU to others? “I have – I’ve actually referred ANU to several people already! One, for the flexibility. Two, for the professors. And three, for the foundation of what they stand on and the education part of it. It’s worth it in the end.”

Her advice to new students: “Have a plan, have a calendar, you have got to set times aside – you got to [have] time management. You can’t just think you can whip through your assignments in one night – it’s not like that… You just got to take the time out and pick and choose what’s important to you. For me, it’s my classes and passing with a 4.0, and me learning and getting my education. And learning the material! The number one thing I can tell somebody is time management and play with the system until you get it down in what works for you, because everybody is going to be different.”

The post Being the Example: Danielle Garcia’s Path to Education at ANU appeared first on American National University.

Colleen Morgan, a dedicated direct support professional and employment specialist, has spent her career empowering adults with disabilities—often sharing her artistic talents by teaching art classes at work. With an associate degree in visual fine arts and a deep love for creativity, Colleen once envisioned a future centered entirely on art and giving back to her community. However, when she began to face burnout in her career path, she knew she needed a change. Colleen decided to combine this desire to help others with another lifelong passion—law—by returning to school at American National University in the Paralegal certificate program. Her commitment, drive, and dedication to her new career path has earned her the distinct award of Term Trailblazer, nominated by her professors.

When Colleen decided to pursue her passion for law, she began by researching a wide range of schools. She needed an online program to fit her full-time work schedule and limited free time. Affordability was also a key factor, and she specifically sought out ABA-approved programs. “I chose ANU because the program works really well with my schedule, and also it was the cheapest out of all of the schools I looked at!” she laughs. “So that was the most appealing. And it was ABA-[approved]!” ANU hit every need she had for her higher education.

Starting the Paralegal program opened new ways of thinking for Colleen that deeply engaged her natural curiosity. “It definitely–I feel like once I started the Paralegal program, especially when I started legal research and writing, it kind of changed the way my brain dissected things, like the way I think. I find that really interesting… I am naturally a very curious person, I like to research and learn things. And I know that’s a lot of what Paralegals do, researching and learning about the different laws.” Reflecting on her Legal Research and Writing course, she shared:

“The way that Wendy taught us to look at the law and break it down and then look at the issue and break it down into facts, and then apply the two, at first it was really, really difficult. I felt like the class broke my brain – but in a good way!” She laughs. “It kind of rewired it, and I think that getting that skill of research and writing can carry on to all facets of your life… it only helps me be a better writer. It’s going to help me wherever I go after [ANU].”

Colleen’s curiosity only deepened as she explored specialized areas of law. “Sheri [Clark] actually recommended me to take [Estate Administration and Elder Law].” She has discovered a strong connection between laws protecting the elderly and those covering people with disabilities, saying, “A lot of the laws that cover the elderly also cover people with disabilities, so I am learning a lot about that… I am getting more information and learning more about the processes and what it looks like, and I find that interesting!”

Colleen also spoke warmly about the professors who have shaped her experience. She admires Dean Wendy Notz’s teaching style: “I liked that she was – she’s a little bit of a stricter grader, but I really appreciate professors that don’t let students take the easy way out. I like them to challenge me… I like to try to work through something and figure it out. And that way, when I do figure it out, I feel a lot better, and I feel more prepared when I do go out in the field. I felt like I learned a lot from Wendy and she’s an amazing professor.” She also appreciated Sheri Clark’s genuine care and connection with her students, as mentioned previously with her Elder Law class. “I can see that she genuinely cares for all of her students. I like that she can remember little things about students. I feel like when I would take Sheri’s classes, it felt more like a little family rather than a class while still learning a lot from her – which is nice!”

Her future goals include becoming certified both as a paralegal and as a notary. Additionally, her biggest goal is to go back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree and then go to law school. “It was always in the back of my mind, if art didn’t work out, I would really like to be a lawyer,” she muses. “Seeing the injustices that happen to people, I want to fight for people, and I think a way to do that is being a lawyer… I want to work with people who are underserved in the community.” Her love of education and learning only boosts her desire to achieve her goals.

Would she recommend ANU for higher education? She answers:

“Yeah, I would recommend ANU to a friend looking to be a paralegal. I think ANU is really great with working with adults who work full time… And I think that’s hard to find – a school that you like that also works with your schedule. And also, it’s very affordable!”

Her advice to new students is to get a physical planner. Writing down assignments, due dates, and readings helps her stay on track. “Also have [at least one] day in your week where you are setting aside time for schoolwork. That day for me was Tuesday because Tuesdays I got out of work early and didn’t have any classes. So after work, I would come home, sit at my desk, and either read, or do my discussion posts, or get assignments done – that was my day to work,” she explains, as these two tips helped her succeed in her classes.

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While Ann has already been through a paralegal education prior to joining ANU’s certificate program, she says it was “nothing like [ANU’s] program.” One of the biggest reasons she enjoyed her education here is because of the connection she has felt with her professors and fellow students. “The interaction with the instructors, even through Zoom – I will say, you guys have really mastered that online platform and being able to really communicate,” she explains. “We might work on something, and it didn’t really feel remote. So it was great!” The biggest benefit to earning her certificate is that it added to her already existing education and experience. “It is really great to have the update in technology… and the learning, the being entrenched in it as intense as the program is… it really does prepare you for those situations in a work setting where it’s crunch time and you’re dealing with this, and you know there’s an end in sight so you can get through. And learning things that I didn’t know, because I did corporate [law]. And I worked for a criminal defense attorney a long time ago, so it wasn’t really anything I remembered.”

Ann’s professors imbued her with the knowledge she needed to branch out in her career. While she came in with experience from her career, two professors taught her so much more. Dean of the program Wendy Notz and Sheri Clark have made a real impact on Ann’s education.

“What I appreciated is Dean Notz, her class – like learning so much and having that early really helped build a foundation,” she described. “And Sheri [Clark] always brings learning and humor, like stories that help you learn. [They were] a really good combination… you hear them in your head afterwards.”

Since she’s finished her program, Ann says, “I miss it! I miss the classes! I like learning.” When it comes to her future now that she has completed her certificate, she plans to work in person in a real estate firm. “I do best with challenges that seem overwhelming, but I like to chip away at something… I like different kinds of projects,” she explained. She wants to work within these two career fields that she has come to enjoy – law and real estate – while interacting with people. “I wouldn’t mind working remote but still being [involved with people]. Like having everyone get together – it doesn’t bother me if it’s virtual.”

Would she recommend ANU to those looking to earn their higher education?

“I would definitely!” She explained that while she worked for her previous employer, she was working remotely. However, they didn’t have the work ironed out. “I’ve told people how [ANU] has mastered… [remote work]. It’s seamless! Even the online textbooks – where that’s not something I normally would like – it worked!”

Her advice to new students: “Get ready, put the time in and study. Just because it’s remote – you have to treat it like you’re there – nobody is going to force you… Take it seriously and don’t be afraid to participate in class and ask for help. I think working with the other students is a good experience because everybody – we all have such different backgrounds.”

The post Broadening Her Education: Ann Burns Story with ANU appeared first on American National University.

Kaitlyn’s Journey with ANU

After moving away from home in Massachusetts to build a life with her husband states away, Kaitlyn Pennington set her sights on an education that would align with her dreams for a meaningful career. With her husband’s unwavering support, she embarked on a journey to find the perfect program at the right school. Her path at ANU began in the Medical Billing and Coding program and soon transitioned to Administrative Medical Assisting, demonstrating her determination to find the best fit for her goals. Now, Kaitlyn celebrates the completion of her MBA—a remarkable culmination of hard work and dedication—while returning to her Medical Billing and Coding program beginning to further enrich her healthcare-focused education. Inspired by the memory of her grandfather’s belief in her potential, Kaitlyn’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of education to build a brighter future.

When purchasing her first home in Kentucky with her husband, Kaitlyn was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare, influenced by her mother’s work in a nursing home. While working at Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, she met a coworker who was a professional medical coder, sparking her interest in the field. A quick Google search led her to ANU, where she began exploring opportunities in Medical Billing and Coding. However, after discovering her true calling, Kaitlyn’s student advisor guided her to transition into ANU’s Administrative Medical Assistant program. “I told my husband about [the program]. He was like, “oh my god, that sounds exactly like you… I ended up switching over and I really liked it,” she explains. Kaitlyn even took her finals and certification exams just days after having her first son with the flexibility of our online programs. “And that solidified it for me that I was like, ‘you know what? If I can do all that, then I can go ahead and get my bachelor’s. I can go ahead and get my master’s.’ So it just gave me the push to want to continue on!”

Going to school with two young children is no easy feat for any student, but Kaitlyn used her children as her motivators to keep going. What really helped her through it all was the understanding of her professors. While attending her MBA program, she had her second son while also caring for her oldest as a toddler. She was worried about having to go off camera or care for her children would affect her grades. However, “But Dr. Mary Tan was amazing throughout the whole time, even Dr. Dominika Falsey [too]. And I reached out to them just to let them know how appreciative I was of them, because having someone in your corner like that when you’re going through a difficult graduate degree is really important,” she says.

Even more so, Kaitlyn feels incredibly grateful for Professor Rhonda Brewer. Rhonda’s guidance throughout her education helped her get through the toughest parts of her degree path. “When I was doing my bachelor’s program, she was pretty much my go to person for everything,” she says with a smile, “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to remain in such good spirits, I think, if it weren’t for her guidance.” And with Rhonda’s encouragement, Kaitlyn knew she could earn her MBA.

“And then I just so happened to have these other excellent professors when I was in my master’s, and that’s what made me really appreciate the school… I made lifelong friends from the institution, and I had such good professors just throughout the whole process. [I feel] lucky to have been given all of the opportunities because they kind of all just fell into place for me and I just kind of branched out from there.”

Kaitlyn’s grandfather is the one who motivated her to earn her education as he is the only other person in her family who earned a graduate degree. Family has always been important to her – she moved back home to be closer to her parents and in-laws after her father had a health scare – and the inspiration from her grandfather kept her going. “I had just started going back to school and he was praising me so much. He was telling me, ‘you know what, kid? This is what I always told you. You just keep going.’ And the one phrase that he would always say is, ‘aim high and be all you can be.’” She reminds herself of his inspiration even after his passing by keeping a picture he kept of her on his desk with that same quote. This is the advice she would give any student looking to earn their education – from diploma to master’s.

Would she recommend ANU to others? “Yes, I would and yes, I already have!”

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Pikeville, Kentucky native, Bobby Moore, wanted a change in his career after spending nearly twenty-five years as an EMT. Knowing about American National University because of our campus in Pikeville, Bobby went browsing through our programs. He decided to take a few online courses in our Paralegal associate degree program and decided to jump in fully after meeting some of the professors, including Dean Wendy Notz. With his dedication to his studies, Bobby has earned the title of Term Trailblazer for term 244, nominated by Linda Bernhardt!

After spending decades in the healthcare field, Bobby knew he wanted to change careers. He wanted to pursue something different, and that’s where ANU’s Paralegal program gave him the opportunity to find that change. “I applied, I did all of my stuff online and within no time, I’ve got a call from somebody, and they actually set up a meeting – a phone interview with Dean Notz,” he explains about his process entering ANU, “we went over my background, why I wanted to take the course. She does a pretty good little lecture with you about how important it is.” And from his acceptance and joining his classes, he says that “everything was just falling into place.” In the entire process, he found he had no problems transitioning into the program. “I’ve never had any issues with financial aid or any of those kind of parts with ANU… it was just a smooth transition going into my first couple of classes.”

Bobby enjoys attending ANU because of the flexibility it gives him within his life and responsibilities.

“It was just easy and for me not being a traditional student, it was just so much easier for me to get used to the way that we did our assignments, the way that we had our Zoom classes. I was still able to be a dad and do everything else that I needed to do. But I could also take all my classes,” he explains.

He explains that as a parent, he gets pulled in so many directions that the ability to attend classes online has been a game changer for him earning his education while being there for his family. “It’s laid back, but it’s also structured. I’m not having to wake up and go into a classroom every day… honestly I feel like more people who work jobs and who have family life – if they understood how it worked, I think more people would be interested in taking online classes.”

He explains in his classes that having professors who truly understand the material has been a game changer for his learning experience. In one of his more recent terms, he studied intellectual properties, and he described the class was very intense and one of the more difficult classes he’s had. However, his professor, Cristi Conrick, made it easy for him to comprehend and complete his classes.

“Where she worked in that field already, it was just so easy to understand. Had we not have had somebody that had that real life experience, it would have been a lot more difficult. But that was one of my favorite classes that I’ve taken so far.”

Every professor that Bobby has had in his educational journey has been a lifeline for him, a person to add to his network, and has given him the knowledge he needs to reach his goals. “All the professors that I’ve had so far, like the last class or they’ll send out an email and just be like, ‘this is my phone number. Once you’re my student, you’re always my student. If you have anything, if you need any help with anything, just message to me’.” And not only that, but he is also meeting students from across the nation to bond with and to develop a professional network.

Bobby’s future goals include going to school to earn his bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Additionally, he has found that he one day wants to teach these legal studies to other students. “I’d actually talked to Dean Notz about what the steps would be for me to possibly come back and teach some classes with the program. Because I feel like ANU has been great for me and I know there’s other people out there that would be great fit for classes like that.”

Would he recommend ANU to others?

“Absolutely. I would tell [students about] the paralegal program I love, but also [I have] some really good friends that have went through the nursing program. And the ANU campus here in Pikeville is phenomenal for the nurses that they’re putting out there in the field. All around, ANU is a great place to go, and I would advise anybody if they’re looking for it to at least give it a chance.”

His advice to new students is to don’t forget the small stuff. “It is the simple things. You’ve got your discussion posts, and you’ve got your responses that you have to respond back to somebody. Those are simple points – you answer a question and then you respond back to somebody and it’s simple. But if you don’t do that initial work at the end of the term, it’s gonna catch up with you.” He explains that students should take the time to make sure they have all assignments in, no matter how small. He also emphasizes, “if you’re in the paralegal program, cite your sources!”

The post Fit for Life appeared first on American National University.

Kalin Boyers (left), like many adults, had long dreamed of pursuing higher education. However, life’s demands—marriage, children, and work—led her to put that dream on hold. As her children grew more independent, Kalin finally found the perfect time to focus on her goals. After caring for a family member at home, she discovered her true passion: providing care and support, much like a nurse. When she learned about ANU’s Medical Assisting associate degree program, she knew it was the ideal steppingstone to her dream career. Through hard work and dedication, Kalin earned the title of Term Trailblazer for term 242, nominated by her professor, Dr. Stephanie Denton!

In Kalin’s quest to find the education she needs to reach her dreams of becoming an RN, she explains a struggle to find a program that not only fit her schedule as a working mother but was also accredited. “I found a place, I’m gonna enroll, they’re accredited, which is a big deal, because lots of places online don’t actually carry the proper accreditations and then you’re just wasting your time,” she says of her journey to find the right school.

“So when I found ANU I was like, ‘this is perfect! I can do this online. And then if I choose to go back to school after graduating, then I can continue moving online.’” 

She explains that attending ANU gives her the opportunity to attend her Zoom sessions and finish her assignments during the week, while working overnight as a patient care technician at her local hospital on the weekends. She says she “just get[s] in that habit every day, open it, look at it. It doesn’t matter if you spend 10 minutes or an hour, you gotta do something. So that’s been the-the biggest factor that has enabled me to stay on top of everything.”

When it comes to her class experiences, Kalin has enjoyed every minute. “I feel like it’s down to earth, it’s, you know, it’s achievable, it’s something that you don’t have to feel like you can’t just apply to because you don’t already carry four different degrees,” she explains. “You can start from scratch, you can go from zero to having that degree. You just have to want it, and I feel like they make it doable.” As she’s in our Medical Assisting associate degree program, Kalin thinks that her program is setting up a foundation for her that will last her whole career – even as she pursues her nursing degree later on. “I think that they’re setting up a really good learning foundation because if you don’t have even medical terminology walking into the hospital, that’s what they use… And so I think that they have done a really good job setting me up to make me feel comfortable around that environment.”

Her professors have been the shining stars for her in her education, however, bringing not only new knowledge for her to learn, but someone she can lean on for her education and beyond.

Dr. Stephanie Denton, the same professor who nominated her for her Term Trailblazer award, has been a professor she admires greatly. “She’s so smart. She knows so much stuff and she’s a jack of all trades. And so if there’s ever something that pops into my mind, she’s an open book to ask,” she says with a wide smile. “She had mentioned that later down the road looking for job opportunities, you can actually use your instructors as, professional referrals!”

Overall, she says that all of her professors “have truly been wonderful and really, that’s not just blowing smoke. That’s, that’s the, that’s the truth of it… I’ve been really happy with every single one of the professors and there has not been one where I’ve been like, ‘oh, I would not do that again’.”

Not only have her professors been wonderful, but Kalin feels immensely supported by the support staff she’s interacted with at ANU. She explains that student advisors always make sure to check in with their students. “If you are falling behind, they’ll reach out, they’ll call, they’ll email. So they’ve made themselves available… When I first was when I first started out, [my advisor] used to call me every week and she would check in just to make sure everything was ok if I had any questions or concerns.” Even in times of grief of losing someone close to her, her advisor was there to help her not only get the time she needed away, but to not fall behind in her classes. When she was in a heavy moment, she didn’t think she could handle being on camera during her Zoom session, and both her advisor and professors allowed her to sit it out without affecting her attendance grade. “And so they were like, ‘it’s ok, you don’t have to be on camera today’… reaching out to whoever needed to be reached out to so that way that I could be covered, and I wouldn’t miss anything. And that’s important with it being 40% of that grade.”

Her future goals include earning her nursing degree and becoming an RN. She explains that choosing her program now will help with that goal because “a lot of [classes] feed right into the nursing programs and it’s still relevant. It’s not just wasted credits and time.” Additionally, she hopes becoming a nurse will allow her to workday shifts rather than overnight shifts in her future, so she doesn’t have to sacrifice more time with her children and family.

Would she recommend ANU to other students? “Absolutely. And they make it easy!”

The post Support Every Step appeared first on American National University.

Harley Odom’s journey into the field of Medical Assisting was sparked by her deep compassion for the most vulnerable members of our society – elders in need of care. Her decision to pursue an associate degree in Medical Assisting at American National University stems from a heartfelt desire to make a difference, fueled by the regret of not being able to do more for her grandmother at the end of her life. Harley envisions a future where she can provide compassionate support to others in their final moments, ensuring that no one feels alone. Motivated by creating a better future and example for her young son, Harley has consistently excelled in her educational pursuits, maintaining a remarkable record of straight A’s, and earning the title of Term Trailblazer for Term 238!

When Harley donated plasma, she couldn’t help but notice how much the nurses and phlebotomists enjoyed their jobs. Inspired by their eagerness for their careers, Harley looked into becoming a phlebotomist. However, when speaking to an admissions representative for ANU, she learned that becoming a Medical Assistant could help her reach the goals she has always wanted to achieve.

“I actually applied to two or three different colleges, and [ANU was] the first one to answer back,” she explains, “within two weeks I was in class!”

She explains that she has stuck with ANU and her education more than she has with other things in her life, determined to finish her education and join her dream career. “I said ‘I am going to finish this!’ There is nothing going to bring me down!” She enthuses.

Compared to previous college experiences she’s had, Harley loves being online as opposed to being on campus. “I love online – the online learning is like the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life!” She says. She explains that on days she feels like she’s running behind, she can still make it to class because it’s accessible to her home and flexible with her schedule. “It makes it so accessible for my son, because I can’t take him into [in-person] class with me.” With ANU, she can take her classes all from home and not have to worry about childcare. She can take her classes while with her son and still earn the education she needs to succeed.

Harley feels like her professors are preparing her for all the skills she’ll need as a medical assistant. “All of my instructors have been super helpful and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach,” she explains. One of her favorite classes was Medical Terminology, which she explains gave her the foundation which her education will build on. Professor Abigal Chelstowski was the instructor of that course and Harley “absolutely loved her kinesthetic teaching style, she definitely keeps the class awake with her examples. I love her!” She goes on to explain that anytime she’s had a problem or needed help, she’s always received it at ANU. “Anytime you have a problem, you can contact administration of any sorts and they will get back to you within 24 hours,” she says, “because of me being online, I can’t just walk into an office and say, ‘hey, I need help with this.’ I message and wait for a response!”

Despite being on the journey towards graduation, Harley has wasted no time in putting her acquired skills and knowledge into practice. Her enthusiasm for learning was evident during her CPR class, where she not only received a CPR kit but also found great enjoyment in the learning process. What truly stands out is her ability to apply her newfound expertise in real-life situations. Recently, she utilized her CPR training to save her own son from choking, showcasing her quick thinking and readiness to act when it matters most.

“He swallowed something right in front of me and my instincts kicked in. I did exactly what my training was… It is the best detailed class I’ve ever done! They show you exactly where your hand placement is, how long you should do it, what you’re looking for… it’s amazing!”

Her future goals include working with the elderly and assisted living care. She also has considered working in hospice. She has these goals to be there for those who may not have anyone else at the end of their lives. She has even considered continuing her education, “after I get this degree, I might continue and go for another one!”

Harley has already recommended ANU to those around her. “It’s just amazing, the teachers are amazing, the schoolwork is amazing,” she gushes. “ANU hasn’t made any mistakes in my eyes. I wouldn’t choose another college.”

Her advice for future ANU students: “Motivation and a good support system will get you through it… Don’t rely on other people for their comments or their praise because you’ll be waiting forever,” she explains. She also holds onto advice she received from her late grandmother: “It won’t be as long as it has been.”

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