Krista Mireles

2019 Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational and Corporate Communication

Krista Mireles is a returning college student. UTEP Connect's online program has allowed her to continue her education while working full-time. As a novice in the area of online learning, Krista has been pleasantly surprised by how user-friendly and flexible the online format is. She graduated in May 2019.

 

Why she enrolled in the program:

I am a returning college student.  After I went back to college and obtained my Associate’s degree, I knew I wanted to set greater goals for myself and the UTEP Connect program seemed like the most ideal fit since I am a student who works full-time. Being able to continue with my education while not having to attend a set class was exactly what I needed since I did not have a set schedule for work and my hours varied. The program fit my schedule and my ambition. 

Her experience with online learning: 

This was my first experience with online learning, and it was much more user-friendly than I had anticipated. Navigating through Blackboard and communicating with teachers and students was simple, and being able to access the information I need at any time was the best part about online learning.

While it can be quite intensive, having the ability to access my classes online throughout the day/week was a lot simpler for me than a set class time which is difficult since my work hours vary.  I set my goals high when enrolling in the UTEP Connect program and made the Dean’s List and was part of an honor society. 

What she plans to do next:

I hope to still continue and enroll in a master’s program and hope to ultimately work for a nonprofit organization that helps lower income communities. I feel that through the program I have learned how to lead others and hope to become a leader of my community.

On the support available to her as an online student:

I feel that UTEP has done a great job of providing online students with the support we might need if we were attending class on campus. We are provided with online tutoring opportunities, have the ability to call or email our professors, and some professors even offer to do video conferencing. UTEP has done a great job in providing UTEP Connect students with the necessary resources that may be needed/used.

What she would say to a prospective online student:

Prospective students should know that this program is a great option for students that want to obtain a bachelor’s degree but feel that they are unable to because of work or family constraints. This program can open the doors to a better education, better jobs, and give students the motivation to feel that it is not too late and there is a way to work around your hectic schedule. UTEP Connect is that first open door and has been a great decision for me.