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2019 Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies

 

Alejandra is an El Paso native, a housewife, and busy mom of four.

Online learning made it possible for Alejandra to return to college for her degree. She almost finished her Education degree in 2011 but at the time, she had two kids, and figuring out how to attend traditional classes and do an internship while also making sure they were well looked after was a struggle.  

Alejandra jumped at the chance to restart her schooling when UTEP started offering online degree programs through UTEP Connect. The online format was convenient and the Chicano Studies program intrigued Alejandra. 

When she's not busy with school, Alejandra enjoys spending time with her family, doing arts and crafts, and decorating cakes. 

Why she enrolled in the program:

I enrolled in this program because of its description which truly sparked a high interest in me, especially with all of the current events happening in our country, while considering what it could do for me in the future.

Her experience with online learning: 

I had taken a couple of elective classes online, but never really put forth the effort to dedicate myself to the classes and give it the time I should have allotted to it. Now, with a combination of being much more mature and seeing all the benefits a higher ed degree could provide for my family, I find myself embracing the online experience. This time around, my experience has been amazing. 

On the support she has received as an online student:

Most of the professors were on point with their expectations. They show you right at the beginning of the course what is required of you as a student and make it very clear how imperative it is to participate and not procrastinate.

What she plans to do with this degree:

I cannot get enough of the material provided to me to educate me in the field. Every class makes me want to teach what I am being taught. I look forward to absorbing all of the information that is given to me and would like to be well-educated and aware of the cross-cultural issues and diversity we are surrounded by. Maybe I could help others understand the rich culture Chicanos have to offer.

On whether she would enroll in this program again if she had to do things over: 

Oh, my goodness, YES!!! I would do it over and over again! I have had such a wonderful experience with my professors, they are all so brilliant and make me want to pursue their careers and follow in their footsteps. Also the administration and counseling staff are always so kind and ready to lend a helping, guiding hand to give you the best opportunity to succeed at what you are doing.

What she would say to prospective online students:

(This program) is unbelievable and they will be grateful that they are able to take their courses and receive a degree from such a prestigious  university such as UTEP. I would also like to comment that taking online courses requires discipline and online courses are not easier or watered down, they are just more convenient to accommodate your busy schedule.