Lia Porras' Distance Education Story

Lia Porras first heard about the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s distance education program in Business Administration while she was attending traditional classes at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. When a planned move to Dutch Harbor, Alaska threatened to interfere with her education, Porras investigated UWP’s program and decided to complete her degree at a distance through UW-Platteville.

Now that she calls the remote Aleutian Islands home, Porras is glad that she chose to pursue her bachelor’s degree via online and print-based courses.

“The distance learning program works great for me since the nearest university is about 800 miles away,” she explains. “ I don't have a phone at home, so it can be tough for people to get ahold of me. I don't have a computer at home either, so I have to plan time to go to the public library to type and send my assignments, and to participate in group projects.”

Despite these extra challenges, Porras says that she enjoys the independence associated with distance education.

“Since I'm shy, group work online is a lot easier for me than it is was in traditional courses. I'm not afraid to participate! I find it easier to ask for help in distance courses than in traditional courses,” says Porras.

Like most distance learners, Porras has to juggle coursework with other obligations and she has found that scheduling specific times for work, school, and family has been helpful. She has informed the important people in her life that earning her degree is a top priority for her and she says she has been fortunate to have an understanding boyfriend to help her on the way to her degree. She is definitely looking forward to the day when she graduates and her persistence finally pays off.

“Four years ago, I thought I would never be done with school, “ she confesses. “The list of required classes looked so long. It’s unbelievable how fast it all goes by. I will graduate this December. I have a copy of the degree requirements hanging on my wall. When I complete a course, I cross it off. Watching the list of remaining classes get smaller is excellent motivation for me to keep working toward my goal of graduation.”

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