Mother Daughter Classmates Find the Right Fit at CSU-Global

In honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14^th we’re sitting down with Cherri and Jordan to learn more about how these family members-turned-classmates support each other on their educational journeys. See how their built-in study buddy relationship helps them succeed on the path to degree completion.

CSU Global: Who started taking courses at CSU Global first, and why did you choose CSU Global?

Cherri: I’ve been pursuing my bachelor’s degree on and off for years. In the past, my schooling had to be put on hold in the wake of work and other responsibilities. With advancing technology, I realized that an online university could realistically allow me to complete my education. I applied to CSU Global for the flexible learning environment.

CSU Global: Jordan, when did you decide to enroll at CSU Global and what was your motivation?

Jordan: I was previously at a traditional brick-and-mortar college, but I had to start taking their online courses because of transportation issues. While my mother was already taking courses at CSU Global she saw me struggling with the repetitiveness of 16-week online courses. The environment just wasn’t for me.

My mom suggested I transfer to CSU Global because of the positive experience she was having. Admittedly, I was resistant at first because I thought all online programs would be the same. I ended up taking a semester off and picking back up at CSU Global. Fortunately, I was wrong to think CSU Global would be the same as my previous online experience, and I’m enjoying the structure and accelerated 8-week courses much more.

CSU Global: It sounds like both of you needed a university with flexibility. Do you work in addition to being a student?

Cherri: Yes, I work full-time as a logistics analyst for an international food distributor.

Jordan: I work full time as well for a photography company overseeing the customer support department.

CSU Global: Cherri, you already had a full-time job, what made you want to return to school later in life?

Cherri: I’ve always wanted to receive my bachelor’s degree, but at this stage in life, I’m doing it for more than just myself. I’m also doing it for my daughter. I want to be a role model for Jordan, showing her that nothing will get in the way of achieving our goals. I also wanted to prove to myself that even a working, single mother can complete her education.

CSU Global: Have you two ever taken a course together?

Jordan: We’re both earning our Bachelor of Science in Communication so even though we haven’t taken a course together, we have taken the same course at different times. I got an A and mom got a B+, which we consider a success!

Because we’re in the same program and I live at home, we often do our homework together and use each other as a resource. Since we both work during the day, we do our coursework on nights and weekends.

We ask each other for opinions and feedback on papers, and bounce ideas off of each other… “Does this sentence sound okay? Does this paper answer all the questions?” Stuff like that. It’s actually been really beneficial for both of us to have each other.

Fortunately, I was wrong to think CSU Global would be the same as my previous online experience…

CSU Global: Have either of you taken advantage of the student resources offered at CSU Global?

Jordan: My mom and I use the library for almost every assignment. I’ve also used the career center for resources like quizzes and surveys that show me the best career matches based on my interests and personality. There are more things in the career center that I’m continuing to learn about for the future.

CSU Global: What has it been like to have this educational experience with your daughter? Mother?

Cherri: It’s been amazing to see Jordan grow into this strong woman who is so dedicated to both her career and educational goals. I’m so proud of her because I know first-hand that this work isn’t easy. I’m watching her mature and it’s been a really rewarding experience that we may not have had without CSU Global.

Jordan: It’s allowed me to empathize a lot with my mother. I find myself motivating her and letting her motivate me. We care about each other and want to see the other succeed. My mom will be graduating at the end of 2017 and I have my eyes on 2020, so I’ll certainly miss having her support as a fellow student, but I know she’ll still be cheering me on.

CSU Global: What do other family members think about you doing your education together?

Cherri: Our family is proud of us. They know how hard I’ve been working over the years, so they understand what an amazing accomplishment it is for me to be so close to completing my degree.

Jordan: I think they’re excited to see what lies ahead for my future. Much of our family have had great success working in the trades and have foregone going to college. I’m proud of them for what they have accomplished, and I think they’re happy to see me increasing my chances of being successful in my own craft too.

CSU Global: What is the plan after graduation?

Cherri:  I plan on adding my bachelor’s degree to my resume and applying for a more prestigious position in my current line of work.

Jordan: I’m savvy with technology and love interacting with all types of people, so I’m hoping to earn a position in public relations, possibly specializing in social media communication.

CSU Global: How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

Jordan:  Every year on Mother’s Day we all get together at my grandmother’s house. We play games, catch up on life, and show thanks to the beautiful women who raised us. This year will be no different.

How are you celebrating this Mother’s Day?

Let us know how your mother, or mother-figure, has helped you succeed in your education and/or professional career in the comments section below.