Olivia Gillis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies from Eastern Kentucky University. She works as a Youth Service Coordinator for Scott County Schools. She completed her degree online and recently shared her thoughts about her EKU Online experience.
How has earning this degree changed or aided your career?
To be a family resource and youth service coordinator in Kentucky you have to have a bachelor’s degree in a family studies/ social work area. This degree gave me the qualifications needed to even apply for my job.
What motivated you to get this degree?
I loved how the degree is so broad that I had the chance to choose from many different areas and careers.
What was your favorite part or the highlight of your time as an EKU Online student?
My favorite part was the flexibility the program offered and the people I met in my program! I am still friends with some of them 4 years later.
How did the EKU Online faculty aid in your success?
I completed my degree while living overseas in Japan. I had a few setbacks when completing my practicum because of this. Dr. Gannoe went above and beyond to make sure my time to complete the practicum was extended, and I didn’t suffer a penalty because of my setback. When I finished my practicum, she even went out of her way to meet me in a coffeeshop to turn in my final project.
What did you find surprising about the program?
I was surprised how involved the professors were. I thought they wouldn’t be active or engaged since the class was online. I was wrong!
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become an EKU Online student?
Do it if you are looking for a flexible, yet quality education. Make sure you pace yourself and try to turn everything in 24 hours before its due. You are going to run into issues every now and then, and this buffer will help make sure you aren’t late. READ THE SYLLABUS. You may think you don’t need to take the time to do it, but it can make a big difference in how successful you are in class.
Interested in earning a child and family bachelor’s degree in an engaging and dynamic online environment?
Earn your online bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university that has been an online education leader for more than 15 years. Our flexible, online format provides students the ability to complete coursework and assignments according to their schedule.
Complete the form to learn more about how EKU’s online child and family studies program can help advance your career.