It has always
been my dream to pursue college education since I obtained my secondary
education and other vocational education some year back. Unfortunately, it
didn’t seem possible at the time because I didn’t have the financial support
personally; neither did I have any other hope of financial assistance in terms
of scholarship otherwise; until my encountered with the advertisement of the
AIU five years ago while surfing through the internet.

Initially, it was
just about getting to know what this institution was offering in terms of their
programs, courses, scholarships, tuition etc, and to analyze whether I could
afford the costs. It was also about authenticating whether it truly existed as
a genuine distance learning institution.

After all of
these investigations were being proven about the AIU became realistic, my
interest developed but the question was; how could I raise the necessary funds
needed to enroll. My current salary was already undergoing serious constraint considering,
all of my family’s obligations; rent, health needs, transportation, clothing, children’s
education, and food.

I had many
engagements including, emails and phone calls about my constraints occasionally
with Rina Lehnhoff from the Department of Admissions, at the Atlantic International
University; who became very motivational in my pursuant of higher education
when I revealed to her that I was interested in enrolling at the University. As
the Department of Admissions and I got more engaged in the possibility of my
enrollment, I made my interest to take advantage of this distance learning
process very clear by expressing that; the only reason I could not afford
enrolling was finance. They conducted several investigations concerning my
livelihood in my country and their findings provided me a grant. This became my
first experience and noted that the AIU is not just interested in raising funds
to underwrite various costs including their administrative and academic
operations but; intends to provide proficient distance learning opportunity to
serious minded people across the globe despite your color or rise. This offer
was amazing, very challenging and I thought it was about time to explore every
other financial means I could afford to underwrite the cost of the balance funds
needed to get started in order to achieve my educational dream. The balance
payment I was responsible for was arranged at a monthly payment basis and I
enrolled at the AIU.

I found it very
challenging initially using the virtual campus or the student session through
which all of my academic activities were programed. However, my inquiries
through emails asking questions provided me a considerable understanding of the
usage of the virtual campus. The AIU’s student services and my advisor were
very instrumental as they were always ready to timely respond, providing all of
the necessary instructions; and I started using the virtual campus effectively.
This was another mind moving experience considering the incredible features of
this distance learning tools. Their website brings the entire AIU just right
before your doors. For the very first time in my life, I became privileged to
have the experience of exploring classrooms, admissions, lecturers, alumni,
programs, and library etc; all in a single package, so effective and well
functional as far as technology is concern from a distance.

At this point,
let me inform you that I had to spend (6) hours daily, (150) hours monthly, and
1,800 hours yearly on campus reading lectures materials, researching up to date
books from the library, and listening to various dynamic lecturers through
video conferences at the AIU. These were very serious moments of excitements,
experiences, and commitment owing to the fact that; I had to submit an
assignment monthly or else; my virtual campus could become inactive hence, I
could be charged an additional payment to make my campus reactivated.

Another amazing
experience for me was AIU’s options for evaluating their students’ performances
for grading which include; either a quiz, test or an essay of 15 to 20 pages on
each course of your study monthly. I made a choice of writing an essay on each
of my courses, and I’m satisfied that it has made me developed a very good
skill in developing any topic. I’m highly delighted that I have worked
honestly, individually, and have achieved what I have long wished for years
ago.

Let me finally
mention and disprove those who think of online education as a very easy means
of acquiring a degree. If you think it is like; drinking any juice of your choice
for refreshment, you are very wrong. It is even more difficult than your
physical presence at a college or university. It’s a matter of commitment,
honesty to yourself in the process of learning, and doing away with cheating
during your evaluation while learning. I’m proud to be a part of the AIU’s
family, walking out of its doors, and I’m committed to encouraging those
individuals seeking to accomplish their educational dreams to make this dynamic
institution their choice. I hold very firmly that indeed; AIU is truly “A New Age
for Distance Learning”.

– Haggai Cooper