Essay By Meghan Rainwater Fall 2014
Austin Community College
4 December 2014
How Online Courses Helped Me Reach Academic Goals
I have been a physically disabled person for a number of years, and while this experience has brought certain positive things to my life, such as empathy, it has also made areas of life difficult, such as resilience through the day or managing pain. I made the decision to pursue a degree at a time in my life when I was already stable with a full time job, however, because of physical challenges, I would end each day by needing to recline, lay in bed, or find comfort in a bag of ice, or conversely a heating pad. When I contemplated the idea of pursuing “night school”, I knew my physical challenges would never allow me to pursue such dreams.
Discovering distance learning at ACC, my eyes were opened to an opportunity that revealed the possibility for learning; a hope that had been reduced to ash was lit aflame with renewed vitality and burned brightly once again. Because of distance learning opportunities, I have been able to take care of my medical needs while moving forward with my dreams. Rather than my disability holding me back, distance learning at ACC allowed me to see these dreams fulfilled.
Despite fears of feeling cut off from community, distance learning classes employ the use of discussion boards, where students can meet one another and exchange ideas. Classes have been thought-provoking, challenging, interesting and worthwhile. Now that I have invested several years into this endeavor, my physical condition has improved. Rather than only just now starting my educational journey, at a time when I’m feeling so much better, I can already see the finish line ahead. This experience has changed my life, and I am deeply thankful.