- Carla Toledo, UMUC Student
English Major, Psychology Minor
School of Undergraduate Studies
MyUMUC Story:
Carla Toledo balances motherhood, a career, and school
with the help of UMUC’s flexible online program.
By: Julie S. Epstein
When Carla Toledo decided to return to college after 20 years, she knew that she’d have to find a university that would accommodate her life. Working as an administrative assistant in Pennsylvania and raising her three daughters kept her busy. On the advice of friends and co-workers, she looked into several online programs, but found that none offered the degree program she was looking for–English.
“I just started praying that something would come up that would suit my needs,” Toledo recalled. “I had basically given up searching, when one day I said, ‘This is it, if I don’t find any online schools after this search-forget it.’ I know this may sound weird, but I searched using the same search methods I had been using and it was as if UMUC miraculously appeared! I looked over the site-and that was it. I loved everything I read so I enrolled.”
Following her long-held passions for reading, writing, and “figuring out what makes people tick,” Toledo chose to major in English and minor in psychology. Her choice has been satisfying. Toledo recalled a favorite psychology course taught by Dr. Hejmadi, where she was able to delve into the psyche and discuss intriguing topics. In another favorite class, information systems taught by Professor Allen, Toledo was exposed to various programs and office products that she was able to use in her current job.
Returning to school after a long absence has been rewarding and challenging. “I am not sure if I would have had the motivation and diligence that I have now as an adult to totally commit to online courses.” Her dedication has helped her through, even on nights when she’d come home from work, help with her kids’ homework, put them to bed, then start on her own homework. But the experience has been worth the extra effort. She has a 3.9 GPA and has made the National Honor Society.
“I am constantly telling my friends, family, and co-workers how convenient it has been for me to attend UMUC,” Toledo said of her overall experience. “For me, the application process was painless and simple. I have had no issues with financial aid or books. The professors are overall very understanding and helpful and I have not had any issues using WebTycho (the university’s online classroom).”
Toledo took three online courses at UMUC during the summer 2007 semester. She plans to further her education by gaining a certification in Secondary Education/English so that she can teach. Long term, she plans to become a certified school counselor. “Sounds like a lot,” commented Toledo, “but if the opportunity is available to me—I will seize it.”
