Melanie Priestly wasn’t sure her field of kinesiology was right for her. The Computer Science program at IU Online seemed a better fit.” So she started over.
Mentoring new students
She uses the experience she gained as a first-generation college student to help others through Mentor Collective. “It’s satisfying to support students who are going through what I did. I’m glad to have an impact. To be someone in the big IU community who wants them to do well.”
Individualized support helps her succeed
“Computer Science is a new field and a big learning curve. My instructors were my partners in learning. Dr. Alnusair at IU Kokomo did more than help. He asked: ‘What are you hoping to get out of this program? What are your goals?’ I felt he wanted to get to know me as a person. He also invited me to conduct research. We presented our findings at an IU Kokomo research symposium. Even online students can be involved in on-campus events.”
Online learning is real-world practice
“Online learning builds skills you’ll use in the workplace. Initiative. Time management. Achieving goals. In collaborative programs like Computer Science, you navigate different cultures on different campuses and learn how to manage expectations. My fellow students represent different backgrounds, interests, and approaches to learning. This enriches my whole experience. I’ve found a path that offers a positive workplace culture, professional growth, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to a team—maybe in data analytics or medical data analysis. I’m ready!”
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