When I graduated from the Natural Resources
Development College (NRDC) in 2010, I was immediately appointed into a
demanding job to which I had previously performed as an intern. The job
required me to carryout field trips very often that it left my desire to pursue
education frustrated.

But then a colleague of mine and
workmate hinted to me about the possibility of rekindling my education aspirations
with the Atlantic International University at which institution he himself was
just about to complete his degree. I initially dragged my feet because “online
school” seemed then not to be a socially accepted mode of education in the
country I live in.

After a few months of thinking about it,
I decided to visit the universities webpage. Not only was I impressed with the
courses available, but I found as well that the university offered a flexible
period in which I could pursue my education without necessarily having to give
up my job. I was also delighted on the flexibility on payment of tuition fees
especially for a student living in a third world country.

The commitment of the universities staff
in helping me with the registration process was world class. I did not feel at
any one point that I was falling into one of those internet scams in which
people lose their money. The staff were upfront and made sure I understood the
universities principle on education.

For me, the icebreaker was when I read
the university’s documentation to aquiant myself with the school’s vision and
mission. The documentation quotes inferred that “education is a process”, and I
can speak confidently that AIU provided a suitable means for me to go through
that process. I found that the university’s way of education placed emphasis on
the student to realize the importance of the journey they had just began.
Without it, there really was no point in going forward. This was the energy
that stimulated a desire in me to read and search through literature to prepare
and submit concise assignments. To be honest, I have never felt this confident
with my job, and on occasion, my workmates made comments about my progress with
education because of my new-found ways of understanding and explaining
concepts. I did find myself attending meetings as well on the recommendation of
my supervisor which I was not able to previously.

I further went on to complete my thesis
which was one of the most exciting journeys I have undertaken. The university
where clear on what was expected of me by providing me with clear guidance and explanations
on how to carry out my research.

In a way, AIU has helped me to
rediscover myself, and it has been an honor to study with the university. I
would definitely recommend the institution to anyone who would like to attain
true education for themselves, and not just an academic qualification.

-Shepherd Hampela Ndhlovu