Online classes helped me finish my degree

She already had some college courses under her belt but financial constraints prevented her from moving forward. And while it isn’t always easy to complete your degree, Vance credits her academic success to the accessibility of ASU’s online degree program and the support she’s received throughout her journey.

Following her admission into ASU, Vance was able to start slowly moving through her degree program. “Between work and planning a wedding, the flexibility of ASU Online allowed me to take just one class at a time making it manageable to work towards my degree.”

While many things changed during Vance’s time at ASU Online, such as her location and occupation, one thing remained constant: her access to quality education. Having separated from Starbucks to pursue other opportunities, including a move to Arizona for her husband to complete his graduate program at ASU, Vance was still able to continue her education through it all.

Vance is currently earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in digital photography. This innovative program, which is just one of the 200+ programs offered, is the first of its kind. Through ASU Online, Vance is able to study what she loves and expand her skillset from anywhere in the world. In fact, Vance has already started establishing her photography career while working her way through her program.

While taking a full course load, Vance started building her portfolio through volunteer opportunities with Together We Rise, an organization that helps kids in the foster care system. Since then, Vance has taken advantage of additional opportunities at ASU that allow students to pursue their passions through various projects. She founded The Masked Portrait Project™, a photography fundraiser featuring Phoenix-area locals and ASU students wearing face masks. Through this project, Vance gained exposure as a photographer and raised money for a worthwhile cause: the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Relief Fund. It’s opportunities like these that differentiate ASU Online from other online programs.

Vance is graduating from ASU in May 2021 and is looking forward to continuing to build her career while exploring graduate programs to continue her education.