Tyler Blase
Columbia Southern University
I had completed high school four years prior to attending Columbia Southern University and have been working as a critical care EMT. I have never been a high achiever in academics as I always worked too much at after school jobs, particularly during high school. No one in my family has ever gone to college before. I went into high school with the idea that I just needed to get my diploma, and I would be able to survive with the skills I that acquired while growing up. Times are very different than they were when my parents were younger. Today, it is next to impossible to pursue a successful career without a university degree. Immediately after high school, I became an EMT and followed the path to becoming critical care certified. As much as I love my job, it is neither well respected nor high paying. Although I make enough to survive, I would have expected to make much more considering the type of work I do and the stress I am put through. After working in a hospital emergency room, I have become more passionate about medicine. I enjoy learning about why and how things happen. As mysteries have always been interesting to me, I have decided to become a nurse. Columbia Southern University offers me the versatility of being able to complete my coursework from virtually anywhere and on my own time. Due to the nature of my occupation, my schedule is constantly changing, thus making it difficult for me to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school. CSU offers all of the course content that I will require to successfully become a nurse. The nursing field has become increasingly demanding, and the number of people attending school for nursing has increased significantly. Many adults are going back to school as mature students because of the changing work world and the requirement for degrees and certifications. By the time I complete my degree at CSU, I will be ready to enter a nursing program and focus strictly on the core requirements that I need to be successful. When the time comes, I will be faced with the decision of leaving my job and dedicating myself to completing my degree. CSU has given me the opportunity to get an education on MY time while still challenging and educating me with excellent, experienced professors. I look forward to completing my degree at CSU, and advancing my career to my dream occupation.
