Johnnie G., StraighterLine Student
Earning a degree while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities can feel like an impossible dream for many. But for Johnnie Galbo, a determined working mother, it became a reality — thanks to StraighterLine’s affordable and flexible online courses. Her story is a testament to how online education can empower students to achieve their goals, even when life seems too busy to make room for school.
If you’ve ever considered going back to school but felt overwhelmed by the time, cost, or logistics, Johnnie’s journey might just inspire you to take the leap. Here’s how she did it — and how StraighterLine can help you, too.
The Challenge: Balancing Life and Prerequisites
Johnnie’s dream was to become a biology teacher. After earning her associate degree years ago, she took a job as a paraprofessional in a high school, where she discovered her passion for teaching. But to turn that passion into a career, she needed a bachelor’s degree in education.
There was just one problem: her advisor at Western Governors University (WGU), a StraighterLine partner college, told her she needed to complete several prerequisite courses before she could start her teaching degree program. With one daughter in high school and another in college, Johnnie wasn’t sure how she could fit traditional classes into her already-packed schedule.
“If I couldn’t find a way to take these prerequisite courses online, I wouldn’t be able to start my degree program,” she said.
The Solution: StraighterLine’s Flexible Online Courses
Johnnie’s research led her to WGU’s competency-based degree program, which allowed her to learn at her own pace and focus on mastering the material rather than sitting through lectures. But it was StraighterLine that truly unlocked her path to success.
Her advisor suggested StraighterLine as an affordable and flexible way to complete her prerequisite courses online. Johnnie was thrilled to discover that StraighterLine’s courses were:
100% online, so she could study on her own schedule.
Guaranteed to transfer into her degree program at WGU.
Affordable, helping her save thousands on her degree.
“My goal is to earn my bachelor’s degree in one to two years at most,” Johnnie said. “With StraighterLine and WGU, I can.”
What is Competency-Based Education?
One of the reasons Johnnie chose WGU was its competency-based learning model. Unlike traditional degree programs, competency-based education measures success by what you know, not how long you’ve spent in a classroom. This means students can move quickly through material they’ve already mastered and focus on areas where they need more practice.
For Johnnie, this approach was a game-changer. “WGU being competency-based is crazy! Within the first month of being enrolled, I finished 4 courses!” she said.
How StraighterLine Helped Johnnie Get Back on Track
Returning to college after a long break can be intimidating, but StraighterLine made it easier for Johnnie to ease back into the swing of things. She started with StraighterLine’s Introductory Algebra course to rebuild her confidence and refresh her math skills.
“I couldn’t have gone back to school without StraighterLine,” she said. “I needed to complete college algebra, but I had been out of school for like 100 years.”
After completing Introductory Algebra, Johnnie went on to successfully finish College Algebra, Intro to Biology, Introduction to Biology Lab, and Intro to Communications — all through StraighterLine. These courses not only fulfilled her prerequisites but also gave her the momentum she needed to dive into her degree program at WGU.
Advice for Future Teachers and Online Learners
Johnnie’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone considering online education:
Be Self-Motivated: Online learning requires discipline and determination. Set clear goals and stick to them.
Explore Competency-Based Programs: If you’re an adult learner with prior knowledge or experience, competency-based education can help you finish your degree faster.
Take Advantage of StraighterLine: Affordable, flexible, and transferable courses can make all the difference in achieving your educational goals.
“I wish someone had shown me early on about how to go back to school with online courses,” Johnnie said. “Luckily, I found StraighterLine.”
Why StraighterLine is a Game-Changer for Online Learners
Johnnie’s story highlights the unique benefits of StraighterLine’s online courses:
Affordability: Save money on your degree by completing prerequisites at a fraction of the cost.
Flexibility: There are no timelines or deadlines. Study on your own schedule, from anywhere.
Transferability: StraighterLine partners with over 180 colleges and universities, ensuring your credits will count toward your degree.
Whether you’re a working parent, a busy professional, or someone looking to save time and money on your education, StraighterLine can help you take the first step toward your goals.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If Johnnie’s story resonates with you, it’s time to explore how StraighterLine can help you achieve your dreams. With over 75 affordable online courses and guaranteed credit transfer to partner colleges, StraighterLine makes it easier than ever to get back on track and earn your degree.
Get started with a Free Preview for a sneak peek of StraighterLine’s features and resources that make it easy for you to crush your courses and transfer your credits.
