Leslie Barber was a successful painter, with much of her work in galleries. She lived a full life in a small California community, but the absence of a college degree always remained in the back of her mind.
“I always wanted to complete my degree, mostly for the sense of personal achievement and increased credibility,” said Barber. “Having my degree won’t change my profession, but it will provide more possibilities, like teaching, in the future.”
Barber found out about the Indiana University general studies degree while reading the book, Campus Free College Degrees. She selected the IU program because it was accredited, reasonably priced, and had no residency requirements, and because the curriculum offered all the courses she needed to fulfill degree requirements. “I speak very highly of the program,” said Barber. “Every time I needed help, counselors were there. My instructors were prompt, responsive, and helpful.”
One of the most beneficial courses Barber took was Education F400, Development of the Self-Acquired Competency Portfolio.
“In order to earn credit for what I had learned on my own, I had to document my experiences and show what I learned from them,” said Barber. “The course was invaluable in helping me figure out how to do that. It took me about six months after the course to put together my portfolio to get the credit. Which isn’t a bad thing — it should be hard if IU is going to give college credit for it.”
Barber has a warning for anyone thinking that distance education courses aren’t as challenging as on-campus courses. “Distance education is not the easiest way to go,” said Barber. “You must be self-motivated, self-driven. In some ways, distance education is harder than traditional course work, because it doesn’t force you into class for certain hours.”
Barber earned her Bachelor of General Studies in December 2006.
