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I knew from a young age that I wanted a career in healthcare. After years of thinking about going back to school, I decided to enroll in Herzing’s medical assisting program. I have really enjoyed my experience at Herzing and I am looking forward to graduation in December. I’m not only doing this for myself but for my two boys as well.

With college comes new responsibilities: assignments, deadlines, well-written papers, etc. I’ve found that in order to be successful, you should participate in class, turn in all your assignments on time and communicate with your instructors when you run into a problem or feel “stuck.”

The following are some resources that have helped me balance my school and personal lives and I hope that they might help other students be successful throughout their college journey.

1. Your instructors

I never hesitate to reach out to my instructors when I need extra help or more information on an assignment. For students who are enrolled completely online, email is often the easiest way to communicate with your professors. I’ve reached out to my instructors plenty of times via email, especially when I was taking online courses, and they are always very responsive and eager to help. If you ever find yourself feeling stuck in some way, do not be afraid to reach out to your instructors.

2. Spell check

Having correct punctuation and spelling is essential for your success. Instructors are looking for well-written papers with correct grammar. If you’ve put in the work to write a great paper, don’t lose points on something as simple as a spelling error! Using spell check ensures that your papers are the best they can be before you submit them. You can use the spell check function in Microsoft Word or , a free grammar app that you can install on your computer or phone.

3. Discussion groups

Participation in Blackboard discussion groups is a requirement for most classes, and I’ve found them to be a great resource for communicating with your instructors and fellow classmates. Discussion groups allow students to openly and respectfully express their views and opinions on a topic. I find them to be highly beneficial, as they help expand your knowledge and allow you to delve into different perspectives on issues that go beyond the lesson or course unit.

I will graduate from Herzing in December 2018, and I am excited to become certified and begin my career soon afterwards. I would like to work in a doctor’s office where I will have the opportunity to get to know the patients and build a rapport with them. I am looking forward to beginning a career in a field that I love.