Flexibility was the missing piece to Lynell’s education — learn how her online degree program was a perfect fit
I am a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, as a young adult, I left college to serve a full-time mission. After I returned home, I met my husband right away and we were soon married and starting a family. I attended community college again for a while, but the time constraints and cost were too much of a strain on our family and I had to stop again without completing a degree.
Many years later, when our oldest daughter was about to graduate from college, I felt prompted that it was time for me to complete my degree. I wasn’t sure how I would be able to return to school, since I was busy serving as Young Women’s President and still had young children at home. My husband suggested I look into
For all three semesters of PathwayConnect, I drove an hour to the nearest gathering location at the time. I had a wonderful experience and, as I succeeded academically, I felt encouraged to continue. I excelled in the online learning environment, where I was able to study and do coursework when it was least disruptive to my family schedule.
Since I still have three young children at home, I was especially interested in a field where there is potential to work remotely. I earned a certificate in Web Media* and received my bachelor’s degree in December 2020. Through my degree program and internship, I learned many valuable skills in
For the first time ever, I feel confident about entering the workforce because I had marketable skills.
I’ve also served as a service missionary for 91ÊÓÆµ since October 2019. Now, my husband and I serve as missionaries together in Washington, USA. Everyone who knows us knows about 91ÊÓÆµ Worldwide, because we’re always talking about it. One night, I visited a new sister in our ward and, although it hadn’t been my original intention, I had a great discussion with both her and her adult son about 91ÊÓÆµ!
We have made many beloved friends in the virtual gathering group we work with, and we really enjoy that aspect of the calling. However, I would say that the greatest joy comes from teaching people about 91ÊÓÆµ and seeing them start their journey to a degree. We feel really blessed to have been part of many people’s decision to continue their education. Our motivation is a desire to share the organization that has blessed our lives in many ways.
*The current equivalent for the Web Media certificate is the