Sylvia Cruz tried to attend college the conventional way, but the single mother of one just couldn’t make it work. Attending on-campus
classes robbed Cruz of precious time with her young son, Miles, so she decided to find an alternative way to complete her
undergraduate degree.
For some time, Cruz had heard that independent study was a great option for those looking to complete their education at a distance. She was excited when she learned about Indiana University’s Independent Study Program. She had always thought of IU as “one of the leading academic institutions and athletic institutions in the nation,” and she wanted to be “part of the Indiana University family.”
One aspect of Cruz’s initial enthusiasm for Indiana University is her passion for basketball. She’s had a lifelong infatuation with basketball and has coached at every level, all the way from elementary to professional teams. Indiana University’s long-standing basketball tradition “secured” Cruz’s decision to complete her work through the IU General Studies Degree Program.
As a general studies student, Cruz was pleased with the comfortable pace at which she was able to complete her degree. The convenience of the program allowed her to study when it fit her schedule, enabling her to maximize time spent with her son. If she had any problems, the faculty and staff were readily available. Additionally, Cruz found the tuition to be quite reasonable, enthusiastically stating that for “individuals who are searching for quality education at an affordable cost, IU’s the program!”
Cruz’s favorite course during her Indiana University tenure was Communication and Culture C122, Interpersonal Communication. Not only did the course provide insight into the importance of effective communication, it gave Cruz skills she could apply to her everyday life. As a student in the course, Cruz learned how to evaluate different communication styles and to adjust her own discourse accordingly. She has incorporated these skills into her work as a basketball coach, parent, and friend; and she believes they will continue to help her no matter what direction she takes in life.
For the foreseeable future, Cruz would like to continue coaching collegiate basketball. Eventually, she hopes to attend law school. She credits Indiana University for helping her find her place in the professional world. “IU,” she says, “has been a blessing to me and one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
