April Viescas-Lopez

There were plenty of compelling reasons for April Viescas-Lopez to return to school and complete her bachelor’s degree, but ultimately, it was a desire for personal fulfillment that prompted April to enroll at Ashford University*.

“I started to pursue a degree right out of high school and, unfortunately, got a bit sidetracked along the way,” April says. “Now that I am in my 50s, I have a strong desire to pursue my dream. I work in the finance department of a very large insurance company and, though having a degree will be beneficial to my career, the main reason I am pursuing my degree is for myself.”

In fact, it was April’s employer that enabled and encouraged her to head back to school. April works at Farmers Insurance which participates in Ashford’s Full Tuition Grant program. Under the terms of the program, Farmers’ employee tuition benefits combine with the grant from Ashford to cover the costs of earning a degree. It was too good an offer for April to pass up.

In addition to the Full Tuition Grant, April also was attracted to Ashford’s online format.

“Online learning is very convenient as I work 40 hours a week and my commute is around 120 miles roundtrip,” April says. “I do not have time for a conventional classroom environment. And I have taken online classes in the past and found them very educational and convenient.”

April decided to take the plunge at the beginning of 2017 and she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program, Finance specialization, at the Forbes School of Business and Technology™. It’s been about a year since April started working toward her bachelor’s degree, and she reports that she’s enjoying her time at Ashford.

“My experience has been excellent with the faculty and staff members,” she says. “Everyone has been pleasant to deal with and provided excellent customer service. My education partnership student advisor has been there for me and is always willing to answer any questions I have. He’s great!”

April’s also been impressed by the level of education she’s receiving at Ashford.

“I feel I am receiving a quality education,” she says. “I have learned a lot so far in my pursuit of my degree. Personally, it has made me a better-educated person. Professionally, pursuing my degree has made me a more valuable employee to my department and respected for pursuing my degree.”

But the degree has always been, first and foremost, about personal fulfillment. By that measure, April’s time at Ashford has already proven to be a big success. 

“My life is a lot fuller and a bit more satisfying knowing I am working on my degree for myself.”
 

* Ashford University is now the University of Arizona Global Campus