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WGU Graduate Speaker, Dolores Northrup, Summer 2009

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Title: 
WGU Graduate Speaker, Dolores Northrup, Summer 2009
Creator: 
Western Governors University
Date: 
2009.07.11
Description: 
<p>Dolores Northrup had been in the nursing profession for 12 years but needed a degree to further her career. During WGU's 2009 Commencement, she shared how WGU helped her accomplish that goal.</p> <p>Dolores Northrup earned her Bachelor of Science, Nursing degree.</p> <p>Transcription of video:</p> <p>Hello, my name is Dolores, and I'm a graduate of Western Governors University, Bachelor Science in Nursing Program. And I would like to start by thanking my wonderful mentor, Michelle Winters, for all her support and for nominating me for this wonderful opportunity of speaking with you today. And I'd also like to thank my family for all the help and support they gave me as I worked toward my goal of my BSN.</p> <p>I have been in the nursing profession for 12 years, and like many of you out there, I realized that if I wanted to pursue other career options in my profession, I would need to obtain further education. So knowing that the time was right, and I was ready to go back to school, I started doing research on RN to BSN programs. I looked at both the traditional schools and online programs. And after a few bumps in the road, I was introduced to Western Governors University. I read several testimonies from students like us and graduates that had graduated from various programs, and I was very impressed. </p> <p>I would be able to use the competency-based approach because I would be able to use my knowledge and skills that I have attained in my 12-year career as an RN. And I was very excited about this option, as I know many of you were, when you realized that your dreams of attaining your goals in higher education were about to come true. As an added bonus, I wouldn't have to change my work schedule to accommodate my school. </p> <p>I sent in my transcripts. I took the intake interviews. I met my mentors online, and I got ready to start taking the courses I needed to achieve my BSN. All of the courses online. What was I thinking? I knew the basics of how to use my computer, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do a totally all online program. But I knew that I was going to be dedicated to the program because I wanted to finish as fast as I could. I knew there were going to be quite a few long days in front of the computer in my future, but that didn't stop me. I knew that I could do it. </p> <p>So first came Education Without Boundaries, my introductory class, and I wondered, "What did I get myself into?" But by the end of the week, I was getting into it, and I really appreciated all the insight it gave me into the expectations of the WGU programs. Then came Task Stream. That was a whole new concept. But my mentors are great, and they helped m navigate through it, and soon it was like I had been doing it for years. I knew I was well on my way to achieving my goal.</p> <p>I'm sure you all have felt frustrated at times throughout your course of study. I know I did. There were plenty of times when I couldn't figure out what they were asking me to do, or I couldn't find the information that they were wanting. But instead of staying frustrated for long, I would contact my mentor, or I would post a comment in the wonderful communities about the issue I was having. Then, I would just go onto another task or another course, and I would wait until I got my answer that I needed, and go on.</p> <p>Then there would be the frustration of waiting once you sent your task in to be graded. It seemed like it took forever, but it was usually only a couple of days. Then there was the frustration when you got it back, and it said you didn't pass because you totally forgot a section. So you couldn’t complete it until you completed that section. And you're saying, "Well, how did I do that?" And it's pretty easy. I did it a couple of times myself. [Chuckling]</p> <p>So you fix the error. You resubmit it, and you go on. But putting all of this aside, knowing that you want to succeed with WGU, you have to set your mind to it, and you have to know that you are going to dedicate about 12 to 20 hours a week to your schoolwork. Having the support of family and friends is a great boost. But also remember, don’t beat yourself up because you aren't making those gourmet meals you used to, or your house isn't as clean as it used to be, because the goal is to focus on your school and get that degree that you are wanting. </p> <p>But do remember to give yourself a break occasionally, because you and your friends and your families need it. You need to get away for a couple of days. Just put the books away. Put your computer away, and go do some fun things together, because once you do that, you'll come back refreshed, and you'll be ready to tackle those tasks again to work towards your goal. </p> <p>But always keep that goal in mind. This will help you to stay on track for your current goals and any future goals that you have. And for all of us today who have met our goals, way to go. WGU knew you could do it when they accepted you on as a student, and that for those of us who are just starting out or continuing in your educational dreams, WGU is waiting for you with open arms to help you attain those dreams. </p> <p>So congratulations to all of you today for your great accomplishments. I know that it will help you in your future, as it has for me. Thank you.</p> <p>[Applause]</p>
Publisher: 
Western Governors University
Rights: 
© 2017 Western Governors University – WGU. All Rights Reserved.
Original Format: 
Commencement Video
Digital Format: 
MP4 (Moving Picture Experts Group)