Jennifer Kulig
Ashford University
B.A. in Education, 2009
My name is Jennifer Kulig, and I am from Elmer, NJ. I am 38-years-old. I am married and have two young children. When my daughter was just an infant I starting thinking that I really wanted to go back to school to get my bachelor's degree, and ultimately become a teacher. I was searching around online and came across Ashford University. I started requesting information online, but then got scared, and closed the screen. I figured since I didn't complete any forms, I was "safe."
Well, a few days later I got a call from Frank Maranzinni, an enrollment advisor with Ashford. He said he saw that I was interested in Ashford and asked how he could help me. Well, I wasn't sure what to say. He said, "You obviously have some interest in Ashford, so tell me what it is you are looking for." I told him that I didn't think that Ashford could help me, because what I wanted was a bachelor's degree in Education. He said, "We don't offer that specifically, but you can get a bachelor's degree and in the end you can become a certified teacher."
I was skeptical, very skeptical. I just figured this guy was just trying to get me in the door, and that I was going to get scammed. He was very persistent, but very helpful, and I actually owe it all to Frank for getting me enrolled. We had countless telephone conversations, and dozens of emails, and most of them were just him assuring me that I made the right decision to get my degree with Ashford. He basically "held my hand" through my first four to five classes.
What was most important to me was that I was able to do all the things I wanted to with that kids that I wouldn't be able to do with a traditional college. I was able to be there for their first days of school and I was able to go on their field trips. I was also able to volunteer in their classroom and drive them to and from school every day. Being an online student allowed me to do all these things.
I also really liked that every class was only five weeks long. Plus, I was able to do everything on my time. Another huge bonus was that Ashford accepted 87 of my previous college credits. Most colleges would not compare there.
I would say that I was not the "traditional" college student. I was 30-something years old, married, and had two young children. Many times, I would call Frank, crying and telling him that I could not do it any longer. I told him my marriage was suffering, my kids were being affected, and it just wasn't going to work. Again, Frank assured me that I could do it. He told me it wasn't going to be easy, but somehow he knew that I was disciplined enough, and that I could do it, and I did.
Frank and I did agree that I should take a break, which would mean not graduating when I had planned, but that wasn't important to me. So I took the break and by the time the next class was scheduled, I was refreshed and was able to get right back on track.
Going to school online is by no means easy. I spent many nights at the library working on papers, homework, and quizzes. I also had many sleepless nights at home, but in the end I finally got my bachelor's degree. I also graduated "with distinction" from Ashford University. I am proud to say that I am currently on the road to becoming a certified teacher in the State of New Jersey, and I owe it all to Frank and Ashford University.
I would like to say if I can do ita mother of a then two-year-old and five-year-old with a husband that was rarely homethen anybody can do it, but you do have to be disciplined.
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