Student Profile: Teresa Michael

Like so many adult students looking to complete a bachelor’s degree, Teresa needed a degree program with the flexibility to allow her to continue working and juggling all of her other responsibilities. Eckerd College PEL provided the perfect fit. The accelerated 8-week terms allow students to attend class either one or two nights per week, a convenient solution for busy adults like Teresa, Director of Information Management at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

Teresa Michael was recently promoted to Director of Health Information Management at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, and her wealth of experience coupled with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eckerd College's Program for Experienced Learners (PEL) helped to pave the way. Teresa says, "Without the degree, I would not have met the requirements for the position."

She learned about the PEL degree programs when Sarasota Memorial hosted a college fair. "Eckerd PEL caught my eye. I liked that it was designed specifically for adult learners," Teresa explains.

Like so many adult students looking to complete a bachelor's degree, Teresa needed a degree program with the flexibility to allow her to continue working and juggling all of her other responsibilities. Eckerd College PEL provided the perfect fit.

The accelerated 8-week terms allow students to attend class either one or two nights per week, a convenient solution for busy adults like Teresa. Teresa chose a part time schedule, attending class just one night per week. "I took one class a term because that's all I could handle while working full time."

Since most of Teresa's previous college credit was transferable, she was able to finish fairly quickly, and at a pace that made sense for her. Although no previous college experience is required in order to apply to Eckerd PEL, Teresa transferred in credits that she earned from the University of Cincinnati, helping to shorten the length of time it took to complete her bachelor's degree. She graduated in 2009 from Eckerd College with a B.A. in Creative Writing. Teresa enjoys writing fiction and some poetry.

She points to a shadow box containing a swatch of her graduation robe and honors medal, and is reminded of how proud her mother would have been of her accomplishments. "My mother only made it to the eighth grade so graduating from college was something she wanted for me," Teresa explains.

Adults are balancing numerous responsibilities, and if they are hesitant to investigate their options at Eckerd, Teresa speaks from experience when offering this advice, "Talk to the counselors, and if necessary, take it slow, but just do it. You'll be glad you did!"