Lyndel May

Job Title and School District:

School Counselor, College Station ISD

How has this degree affected your professional outlook? What about personally?

Earning this degree has allowed me to fulfill my goal of combining the two halves of my life: social worker and teacher. I loved helping children when I did social work and I loved helping students when I was a teacher. Now I do both.

What was your single biggest takeaway from the program?

The Lamar University graduate program allowed me to work and attend school. It was very beneficial in helping me achieve my future lifetime goals.

How much time per week did you spend on your studies?

15-20 hours per week minimum.

Describe how having an online option made a degree more accessible for you.

The online program made attending class easier. It allowed me the flexibility of working at a scheduled pace.

What was one of the biggest challenges during the program, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was getting started. It had been a long time since I was in school and going back to school with an online program was scary and challenging. Once I got through the first week and gained an understanding of what was expected and how it all worked, I felt a lot more comfortable.

Why did you choose to earn your advanced degree from Lamar University?

I chose Lamar because of its flexibility and degree choices.

What advice would you give to a prospective student who is considering this program?

Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith. There are student advisors who will call and check on you as well as you IAs who will answer questions that can help ease some of the frustration you may have when you are confused or have personal family situations. The professors are people and very approachable.

What helped you get through the program the most? What helped you make it to the finish line?

Each class has a Facebook page that is very helpful. It provides support from other students going through the program just like you. It is just for students in your program, not professors or IAs, so it is a very secure site.

Describe your family's thoughts and feelings about you earning your degree.

My family was very supportive and encouraging when it came to me going back to school to obtain my degree.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing! I would do it all just the same, maybe just sooner.