University of Phoenix
A.A. in Human Services Management, 2009

My name is Fawn Wiley. I live in Alabama about 15 miles from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. I spent many years in retail and am currently a 39-year-old bartender with two kids. Bartending pays the bills, but I know there is no future in it for me. Trying to break into a new career in a small town is difficult without a higher education, and I got tired of being turned down for minimal paying jobs. That's when I decided to look into online degrees, and I'm proud to say that in 2009, I graduated with my associate's degree in Human Services Management from University of Phoenix Online.

Aside from raising my children and working, I've always felt the need to constantly challenge myself. I have always loved learning about new things. For my own future and the future of my children, I knew I had to make some changes. Earning a degree online was a natural choice for me with my busy lifestyle. The idea of working around the schedule of a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom just did not appeal to me. I enrolled in University of Phoenix Online to grow up and get some real college experience so I could have a responsible career with benefits like a 401K plan, insurance, and vacations.

My two sons are 17 and 14 years old with very busy social lives. They are great kids and are a constant inspiration to me. I never understood the value of higher education when I was a teenager and I cannot expect my sons to understand it either unless I show them. I've been a bit of a late bloomer in life, but hopefully it's not too late to guide my children.

University of Phoenix Online gave me a terrific start to achieve my new career goals. My enrollment advisor made it so easy to get going. She practically held my hand through the entire process.

The flexibility of the program amazed me. When I started, I was unsure of my education path. After reviewing my career options, I decided to change my major. One quick phone call to my academic advisor and my major was changed.

Most of the instructors I studied with were very encouraging and provided insightful feedback. My algebra instructors were unbelievably patient. I actually understood algebra for the first time in my life. The technical support staff at the University of Phoenix worked beyond the call of duty to assist me with all my needs. With the assistance and support of all of the staff at University of Phoenix, I was able to earn my degree in less than two years.

I graduated from the associates program in June 2009. I have not made any career changes yet because I do enjoy bartending. I truly enjoy the people I meet and have a great time getting to know them. People ask my opinion about a lot: successes, failures, relationships, spouses, and (believe it or not) their own state of mind. Now that I have an education to back me up, I feel that my opinion is even more valuable.

My associate's degree from the University of Phoenix has made it possible for me to enter the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Walden University. The combination of both schools and the scope of my degree programs should make me a highly attractive employee to the Veterans Administration or any state sponsored mental health facilities in a few more years. When I am finished with my future degrees, hopefully I can do a job as fun and rewarding as bartending without the beer and with the benefits.

As an added bonus, my youngest son confided in me that he would like to earn at least a bachelor's degree after high school. Investing in my own future has taught my son to invest in his future. Thanks University of Phoenix, you have inspired a family of Phoenixes.

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