海角网

Once Incarcerated, Now Thriving with the Help of 海角网 Online

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he faculty and staff who work in 海角网鈥檚 Online degree completion program are committed to helping students achieve their goals. Kristi Barger, of Hickory, N.C., a student working toward bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees, ultimately chose to attend GWU because of the responsive and compassionate online admission team.

After spending years in a cycle of substance abuse that included periods of sobriety followed by relapses and short stays in prison, Barger was sentenced to six years in the Western (Swannanoa) Correctional Center for Women in Black Mountain, N.C. She decided to view this incarceration as an opportunity. While some might respond with bitterness, anger and despair, Barger told her sons, 鈥淚 am going to get something out of it this time.鈥�

Before she could make good on her promise, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the prison鈥檚 educational programs. After waiting over four years, the correctional center announced it would offer a human services Associate in Applied Sciences degree from A-B Tech Community College in Asheville, N.C. The program was part of the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative.

There were eight women in the prison who participated in the program. They weren鈥檛 allowed to use computers to search the internet, so their instructors brought them books and other resources. As their graduation and release dates neared, one of the teachers started looking for a college that accepted paper applications. She checked 海角网, because of its agreement to accept credits from A-B Tech. 鈥淭he staff at 海角网 said, 鈥榃e want all of your ladies to come here,鈥欌�� Barger recalled. 鈥満＝峭� was so supportive with anything I needed, and that鈥檚 why I chose to go.鈥�

She enrolled in 海角网鈥檚 online bachelor鈥檚 program in human services, which is offered in eight-week terms. During the first term, Barger immediately used what she learned in class to write a resume and cover letter. She also completed a certificate to become a peer support specialist and was hired.

Dr. Erin Cook, 海角网 assistant professor and program coordinator for human services said Barger is 鈥渢hriving in our bachelor鈥檚 program, and we鈥檝e talked through ways in which she can use her past experiences to be a more compassionate and empathic helping professional.鈥�

Barger acknowledged, 鈥淲henever I did my peer support training, everything we talked about I had already learned at 海角网. If I would have gone into the peer support without going to school, I would not have known what they were talking about.鈥�

Her first class at 海角网 was human services with Cook. 鈥淚f I would not have had that, I guarantee you I would not have gotten my job,鈥� Barger asserted. 鈥淢y application was great, my cover letter was wonderful, and (Cook) taught us what to expect in an interview and how to sell ourselves.鈥�

Barger is the mother of three sons. Her oldest son, and the father of her grandson, died while she was in prison. She said working on her college degree helped her through that difficult time. Her two younger sons are college graduates. She鈥檚 grateful to her parents for taking care of her children while she was in prison. Barger is proud of their accomplishments and earning her own degree gives her something more in common with them, but she’s decided to go further. 鈥淚鈥檓 going to get my Master鈥檚 in Public Administration,鈥� she stated. Barger has been accepted into the Accelerated Master鈥檚 Program and begins taking classes toward her graduate degree in January 2025.

Barger likes the convenience of online classes and the accessibility of her professors. 鈥淎ll of my teachers have been so great, and they don’t have any problem offering their time,鈥� she affirmed. 鈥淲hen I contact them if I have a question, it’s never very long before they get back to you. A lot of them will get back to you after hours. They are wonderful.鈥�

The next start date for the online human services program is Oct. 18. To apply or receive more information, contact [email protected].

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

海角网 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 海角网 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 海角网.edu.