Every Doubt and Fear I had About My Ability to Complete my Degree Was Resolved

Juanta Griffin

My favorite part of the BGS program is being able to complete my degree with Eastern Illinois University. I left EIU in 1997 in my senior year to get married. I had 105 credit hours. Having "almost a degree" wasn't enough to obtain adequate employment. I thought of transferring to another university closer to home, however most universities require that you complete 60 credit hours from their institution in order to become degree eligible. The BGS program will allow me to complete my degree close to home, in face to face classes, from Eastern Illinois University.

After graduation I plan to continue my education by applying to graduate school and obtaining an MFA, Master of Fine Arts Degree. I am passionate about theatre! I've worked with young people from preschool to high school, teaching basic acting skills, coaching speech team, directing gospel choir and producing summer theatre productions. I would like to continue to work with students in the fine arts field at the college level.

My biggest struggle in completing my degree was finances. The BGS program offers many scholarship opportunities that made it possible for me to continue my education. The financial aid office at EIU was patient in assisting me with my FASFA.

I would advise anyone looking to be in the BGS program to meet with an adviser, ask questions and start the process as soon as possible.

I wasted 19 years because I kept telling myself what I couldn't do, and what I didn't have, when all I had to do was ASK. Every doubt and fear I had about my ability to complete my degree was resolved when I walked into the EIU office at Triton college and sat down with Jackie Johnson Janesku. I will have my bachelors degree this summer because I got out of my own way, and started the BGS program. I AM EIU!

Visit our website or join us on Facebook so you can connect with BGS faculty, and alumni. Learn what others are saying about their experience in the B.A. in General Studies degree program for adults and find an upcoming open house event near you!

Comments

We Are EIU - BGS Faculty

EIU B.A. in General Studies Faculty Members We recently asked our professors to tell us a little bit about themselves, including what they enjoy about teaching at EIU and how teaching adults has impacted their teaching. We also wanted to spotlight some of the work and achievements that our faculty members have accomplished outside of EIU BGS . We are very excited to share their stories and experience with our fans to showcase pride the faculty & students share in the School of Continuing Education at Eastern Illinois University and in the B.A. in General Studies program. Dr. Teresa Britton teaches Philosophy at EIU-BGS I like that BGS students attend (class); they are really smart students. They are eager to learn and know how to have fun too. Teaching for EIU is great as I am part of a large and talented faculty connected to a larger professional world. We are active and engaged scholars and researchers and it feels good to be part of an A team.

Returning to College as an Adult Student

Get motivated & let the staff in the School of Continuing Education Eastern Illinois University help you get started. I recently saw the above quote posted on a friend’s Facebook page and immediately thought of the adult learners I work with at Eastern Illinois University. I direct the B. A. in General Studies degree, an adult degree-completion program offered at various locations in Illinois and online. New and prospective students often feel the need to explain why they did not complete their bachelor’s degree “when they should have” or at the “right time.” What does that mean exactly? Is there a “right time” to earn your college degree? I would argue that time is different for each of us. We speak of “traditional’ and “non-traditional” learners in higher education. What does that mean? At one time the typical college student was between 18-22 years of age. Most students lived in residence halls where they were immersed in campus life. Today, more than 40% of

You're Going to Ask Yourself Why You Waited

Angela Masouridis graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2016. She was chosen as the commencement speaker and delivered an inspiring speech about her experience at the graduation ceremony in front of her professors, peers and mentors. Not only did Angela return to college as an adult, but also as a single mother. Her hard work, determination and courage earned her not just a degree, but more importantly a sense of pride. Since her graduation Angela has enrolled in the graduate program at EIU and is continuing her education as an adult, and as a mother. She shared her EIU BGS experience with us in hopes of inspiring other adults who are considering returning to college. Angela was able to take advantage of EIU BGS online degree courses , as well as the weekend courses at Harper College, and finish her degree through Eastern Illinois University adult degree program, inspiring her children, family and peers. Here is what she had to

EIU B.A.in General Studies Blog

Search This Blog