“UoPeople Allows Me to Earn My Degree on My Own Schedule,” Says Ian S., a Business Administration Student

Ian S. is a 29-year-old student from St. Louis, Missouri, who believes that determination and perseverance can help overcome even the most difficult circumstances. After earning his associate degree from University of the People, he is now continuing his educational journey by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

For Ian, higher education represents more than a credential. It is the fulfillment of a goal he spent years working toward despite significant personal challenges.

Growing up, Ian faced a difficult home environment that made pursuing his ambitions far from easy.

“I had a fairly rough childhood,” he shares. “My father was mentally and physically abusive,” he shares.

Despite these challenges, Ian remained determined to create a different future for himself. One of the most important turning points in his life came in 2018 when he successfully broke free from that environment and began building an independent life.

“Finding a way out and starting over was one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced,” he says.

At the same time, Ian was determined to continue his education. He initially attended a local community college, where he completed approximately 40 credits before eventually transferring them to UoPeople in 2024. He also transferred credits from other institutions he had briefly attended, as well as coursework completed through online learning platforms.

“The transfer process was easy, and I was impressed by the number of institutions and learning providers that UoPeople accepts,” he says.

Ian first heard about UoPeople several years before enrolling. While browsing Facebook in 2018 and 2019, he came across content about the university via a Nas Daily feature. Although he was intrigued, he did not apply at the time.

Years later, while working at a call center, he came across a YouTube video about UoPeople that inspired him to finally take the next step.

“That video motivated me to apply and start earning my degree,” he says.

Since enrolling, Ian has appreciated the flexibility that UoPeople offers working adults.

Like many students, he balances education with work and financial responsibilities. The university’s online format allows him to continue progressing toward his goals without putting the rest of his life on hold.

“What I like most is that I can essentially go at my own pace,” Ian explains. “I am always working to make ends meet, so being able to complete assignments and exams during breaks, on days off, and whenever I have time makes a huge difference.”

For Ian, UoPeople has provided an opportunity to continue his education in a way that fits his schedule rather than forcing him to choose between earning a living and earning a degree.

He is looking forward to finishing his bachelor’s degree and continuing to build the future he envisioned for himself.

When he is not working or studying, Ian enjoys writing fiction and developing software projects for his professional portfolio. In fact, balancing multiple goals at once has become a normal part of his life.

“I am currently juggling writing a new book, working, and studying at UoPeople,” he says. “The key to doing it all is time management.”

Looking ahead, Ian remains committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. His educational journey has required patience, persistence, and determination, but he believes the effort is worthwhile.

Today, Ian’s story serves as a reminder that obstacles do not have to define a person’s future. Through hard work and perseverance, he has transformed difficult circumstances into motivation to keep moving forward and pursue his goals.

We are proud of students like Ian, who refuse to let life’s challenges stand in the way of their dreams, and wish him all the best for his future.