A CollegePlus! Student Shares Her Experience

By Sarah Lehr

I wasn’t sure exactly what God had planned for my future. Looking back, I can clearly see how He directed and guided me to a college degree that I earned in 17 months, debt-free, from home. I couldn’t have chosen a better way myself!

After High School?

I was tired of being asked, “So, what are your plans for after high school?” My answer was always the same, “I don’t know.” Like many of my peers, I was pretty much clueless as to what I should or could do after I finished my secondary education. And for me, that phase approached quickly. After three years of high school, I had to look this question squarely in the face. The answer to my struggle came through CollegePlus!.

To Community College or not to Community College?

As a homeschooled student, I graduated from high school early, at the age of 16. The summer after I graduated, I signed up to attend my local community college. Yet, as June ticked away, I was having less and less peace about my decision. Some of my doubts about attending a community college included being compromised in the classroom; spending so much time in travel, homework, and classes; the high cost of books, fees, and tuition; and not having time to spend with my family or serving others.

Enter CollegePlus!

Earlier in the year, at a conference, my mom met a woman whose daughter was studying with CollegePlus!. She had told my mother about their experience with the program, so I investigated it online. I was so thrilled! It seemed like the perfect fit!

Upgrade to Distance Learning

So, after much prayer, I dropped my classes and signed up for CollegePlus!. This was in July of 2008. Now, I am coming to the end of my degree, with 111 credits earned out of 120. The past year and a half have been enjoyable, productive, and difficult in their own way, but on the whole has been rewarding. Before I began to receive coaching, I listened to a conference call about the CollegePlus! program. I learned that one of the keys to being a successful CollegePlus! student is self-motivation.

Self-Powered Degree

I had to be willing to take responsibility for my degree and work hard. It was up to me. As I fostered this mindset in preparation to begin my studies, it helped me to take a realistic, assertive approach to my education, which has benefited me in the long run. With this groundwork laid, I began the program with confidence. My experience commenced with Life Purpose Planning, through which I learned more about myself than I ever wanted to know!

Major Swap

Actually, though, it helped me to decide to major in Communications instead of English. This booklet emphasized being intentional about seeking God’s will for my education, specifically, and for my whole life, generally. I realized that what really motivated me was sharing truth with other people. I also benefited from the study tools I learned like speed reading and memorization techniques.

Leap into CLEP

After this preliminary training, I plunged into CLEP testing. I had previously gained 15 CLEP credits and was familiar with the style. But I had never studied for one in such a short amount of time! My coach challenged me to take part two of a history test after only three weeks of study. This was overwhelming to me, because I had taken several months to study for the first one! But I successfully passed that test and many others with hard work, encouragement, and God’s grace.

I Love My Coach

One of my favorite parts of the CollegePlus! experience was the bi-monthly coaching calls. My coach Debra spoke words of encouragement to me that left me refreshed and rededicated to my goals. She prayed with me and became an important spiritual guide in my life. That’s why when she left for a few months on maternity leave I got really nervous! During that time I failed my first exam and had doubts about my major.

An Essential Part

On top of failing a test, I also had to change a few of the classes in my degree plan. I was ecstatic when my coach finally returned! I didn’t realize how much support she gave me until I went without it. Much of my success, academically and spiritually, I attribute to my coach's care and influence.

Learning and Remembering

One of the best parts of this method of learning is how much information I have retained. Because of the intense studying I did for one subject, I remember and use a lot of what I learned.

Prepared and Moving Forward

I feel prepared for life and equipped to fulfill my purpose in whatever way God plans. I am currently wrapping up my online coursework and hope to finish my BA in Communications soon. At 18 years old, I have secured an internship with Moody Radio, an affiliate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois.

Grateful

I have many to thank for my achievements to date, including my supportive parents and loving family; my coach Debra Eby; everyone at CollegePlus! who has made my goals a reality; and my dear Savior, who has made this journey sweet. I couldn’t have done with without you! Thanks a million!

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Sarah Lehr

Sarah is a CollegePlus! Communications major and lives with her family is Illinois. She is working on finishing her coursework, and likes to read classic literature, study the Bible, and work at the local library in her spare time.

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