April Viescas-Lopez
Biography
There were plenty of compelling reasons for April Viescas-Lopez to return to school and complete her bachelor鈥檚 degree, but ultimately, it was a desire for personal fulfillment that prompted April to enroll at Ashford University*.
鈥淚 started to pursue a degree right out of high school and, unfortunately, got a bit sidetracked along the way,鈥 April says. 鈥淣ow that I am in my 50s, I have a strong desire to pursue my dream. I work in the finance department of a very large insurance company and, though having a degree will be beneficial to my career, the main reason I am pursuing my degree is for myself.鈥
In fact, it was April鈥檚 employer that enabled and encouraged her to head back to school. April works at Farmers Insurance which participates in Ashford鈥檚 Full Tuition Grant program. Under the terms of the program, Farmers鈥 employee tuition benefits combine with the grant from Ashford to cover the costs of earning a degree. It was too good an offer for April to pass up.
In addition to the Full Tuition Grant, April also was attracted to Ashford鈥檚 online format.
鈥淥nline learning is very convenient as I work 40 hours a week and my commute is around 120 miles roundtrip,鈥 April says. 鈥淚 do not have time for a conventional classroom environment. And I have taken online classes in the past and found them very educational and convenient.鈥
April decided to take the plunge at the beginning of 2017 and she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program, Finance specialization. It鈥檚 been about a year since April started working toward her bachelor鈥檚 degree, and she reports that she鈥檚 enjoying her time at Ashford.
鈥淢y experience has been excellent with the faculty and staff members,鈥 she says. 鈥淓veryone has been pleasant to deal with and provided excellent customer service. My education partnership student advisor has been there for me and is always willing to answer any questions I have. He鈥檚 great!鈥
April鈥檚 also been impressed by the level of education she鈥檚 receiving at Ashford.
鈥淚 feel I am receiving a quality education,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 have learned a lot so far in my pursuit of my degree. Personally, it has made me a better-educated person. Professionally, pursuing my degree has made me a more valuable employee to my department and respected for pursuing my degree.鈥
But the degree has always been, first and foremost, about personal fulfillment. By that measure, April鈥檚 time at Ashford has already proven to be a big success.
鈥淢y life is a lot fuller and a bit more satisfying knowing I am working on my degree for myself.鈥
* Ashford University is now the University of Arizona Global Campus