Student Success Stories

Even from half a world away, Serena Brooks was able to earn her college degree at Columbia College.

Recently deployed in Iraq as a property book accounting technician in the Warrant Officer Corps in the U.S. Army, Brooks wasn't certain she would be able to juggle her work overseas while earning her degree at Columbia College. But thanks to the college's Online Campus, Brooks was able to earn her bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration in 2003.

"I was hooked when I learned Columbia College had helped others meet their educational goals while balancing the hurdles of military life," Brooks said. "I found that online learning with Columbia College was much like a traditional setting. Accessing my courses from home or work was the only difference."

Brooks is counting on her education paying off. Her degree has not only boosted her self-confidence, but also has made her more competitive for promotions among her peers. And, she's hoping it will lead to a job as a parole officer.

"For anyone who is undecided about earning their degree online, I would say stop searching," Brooks said. "Columbia College's Online Campus has helped me reach my goals, and it can help you, too."

–Serena Brooks '03
BA Criminal Justice
Columbia College

"I originally started with Columbia College at one of its California campuses. Having the ability to continue my education with the same college after I got deployed is why I chose to attend the Online Campus. My degree will give me more opportunities, as well as help me adjust to a civilian career when I retire from the military."

–Greg Lasher '05
BA Psychology
Columbia College

Sgt. First Class Scott Marvin was 45 minutes into his Educational Psychology final exam when the sound of enemy mortar fire rang out next to the Presidential Palace in Baghdad less than one-half mile from where he was stationed.

Like so many times before, he grabbed his Kevlar gear and headed for the bunker with the others in his unit. But after 15 minutes and with still no "all clear" given, Marvin decided to put education before procedure and return to his trailer to complete the exam.

"You're always on edge when you're over there," Marvin said. "But I just sat down and did what I had to do to complete my final."

A broadcast NCO in the Army responsible for the Command Information Network–similar to Robin William's character in "Good Morning, Vietnam"–Marvin was no stranger to balancing the demands of education and his work in Baghdad. Stationed there for almost exactly one year, he used his deployment as the perfect opportunity to complete his education through Columbia College's Online Campus, which he learned about while taking classes at Columbia College–Los Alamitos. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in general studies in June.

Marvin said he had attempted to complete his degree numerous times before, but because he was often on active duty, it was difficult to start school only to be deployed a few months later. And, as a single father of three small boys, he needed the convenience of an online campus. Columbia College provided the ideal option.

"I loved Columbia College," Marvin said. "I could do my schoolwork from home or work, which was a perfect fit."

With two years left in the military before retirement, Marvin is now in Huntington Beach, Calif., working full time for an Army Reserve Unit. He is pursuing his teacher certification in elementary education and one day hopes to get his master's degree in education. In the meantime, he's encouraging others to see what Columbia College has to offer.

"I hear a lot of people say they'll have trouble balancing school and work, but Columbia College really worked for me. It felt so awesome to walk across the stage and receive my diploma. It really opened my eyes to all that is possible."

–Scott Marvin '05
General Studies
Columbia College