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Learning while living Sarah Krukemeier fits an online education into a 40-hour work week By Aileen Cook J201 Reporter Sarah Krukemeier is a part of a growing trend of millions of people turning to the Internet to complete their college degree or certificate because of their wide availability, convenience and focused curriculum.
Her certificate through Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis's (IUPUI) Tourism, Convention and Event Management Department is the most popular one, according to Sotiris Avgoustis, PhD, the departmental chairman. Of the 60 students pursuing an event management certificate, the “majority of them complete the certificate entirely online,” Avgoustis said.
Being able to complete her event management certificate entirely online makes it possible for Krukemeier to accomplish her dreams of graduating college, moving out of Indiana and becoming an event planner in a big city.
“I have big dreams for myself,” Krukemeier said.
She started dreaming of her adult life at a very young age, according to her mother, Sue Krukemeier.
First, she knew she wanted to live in a big city.
“I want to get out of Indiana so bad,” Krukemeier said. “A big city is just, amazing.”
Once at college, she decided to major in recreation with an emphasis in tourism management. Last summer, she found a certificate in event management through IUPUI and started taking the required online courses in order to complete it.
Her friends have witnessed firsthand her dedication to school and her determination to making her dreams come true.
“Since I first met her [my freshman year], graduating has crept up on her and it seems she's really gotten things together this year and matured a lot,” Caitlin Byers, her best friend, said. “She has real goals and plans, and they're not just ideas anymore.”
Now, in her last semester of college, she has moved back in with her mother after living on Bloomington's campus for seven semesters and takes 12 credit hours, nine of which are online.
In her online classes, she's learning more than just textbook trivia.
“They are preparing me for the work world in many ways,” Krukemeier said.
Online classes are cultivating many skills for her career, including responsibility. She must know when her assignments are due and get them turned in despite any technical difficulties that may arise.
“There is no one on your back saying, ‘Don't forget assignment three is due next week.' You just have to be responsible and get it done yourself,” Krukemeier said.
Considering her schedule, the biggest advantage of taking online classes is their convenience, Krukemeier said.
“I can watch the lectures whenever I want, and with a full-time job, sometimes I don't feel like watching the lecture when it is scheduled,” Krukemeier said.
Each of her three online classes requires her to watch every week or two weeks a two-hour lecture on the computer. Because of the technology requirements of these videos, Krukemeier has to go to a public library in order to view them.
Being self-motivated is another area in which online classes have helped. After years of battling procrastination, online classes have cured her of the habit. Now she gets assignments and other projects done at least two days in advance.
“For a hard-core procrastinator, that is very good,” Krukemeier said.
Although online classes provide her with valuable information and fine tune essential skills for her future career, Krukemeier, a people person, misses interacting with her professor and classmates.
“Online classes are a lot harder,” Krukemeier said. “Sometimes I think, man, what was I thinking, this is a lot of work for a little piece of paper.
“But, working for the little piece of paper is teaching me a lot about the industry and will benefit me in the long run.”
This summer Krukemeier will be interning at Country Music's Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tenn. After her internship, she plans on getting a job as an event coordinator at a resort or casino. Ideally, she wants to live in Las Vegas but will settle with any big city that does not experience cold weather. “I hate winter,” Krukemeier said.
Online classes have fit conveniently into Krukemeier's schedule. Yet, her schedule is both physically and mentally exhausting. But according to Krukemeier, it's worth it.
Krukemeier recalls talking to her mom recently about how she was doing.
“I hadn't even had time to think how am I. Because if I did, I'd be like wow, I'm exhausted,” Krukemeier said. “And I just can't afford to stop. Keeping busy is what keeps me going.”
Have you used online classes to balance your hectic schedule? Share your story with Aileen.
Page designed and edited by: Lisa Davies Last Updated: May 2, 2005 |
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