For Danielle Milner, the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, obtaining a college degree was a sign of perseverance and dedication.
When Milner decided to pursue her BA in Applied Psychology, she was surprised to find that she was in control of her online experience and that “it started as a blank foundation that continued to build as time went on.”
She found structure along the way, formed relationships with instructors and took advantage of every opportunity to succeed in her classes while she worked full-time.
“I would have never thought I would have the knowledge I obtained throughout the years. I love the program and how conducive it was to my personal and professional life.”
Milner’s perseverance and support from her family members led her to graduate cum laude – an achievement she dedicates to her mother, a source of great inspiration for this Florida Tech graduate.
Now that she has earned her BA, Milner will take on the journey of exploring what the psychology field has in store for her.
Q. Tell us about your background
I’m originally from New York. I moved to Tampa, FL when I was young. My first official job was with Frontier Communications, which I started when I was 18 years old. I will have 32 years on the job as of November. I’m married with one child and two grandkids.
Q. What were the most important factors in your decision to choose Florida Tech?
The most important factor in selecting Florida Tech was the fact that it was online, giving me the freedom to attend school and work full-time.
Q. How will your Florida Tech degree make a difference in your career?
First and foremost it helps to have a better working relationship with my peers. It also gives me options to move my career path in a different direction if I so choose.
Q. Do you have any future plans with your degree?
I am keeping my options open since psychology is a broad field. I want to explore what would be a good fit for me in the field of psychology.
Q. What was your favorite class and why?
PSF 4562 Forensic Clinical Psychology. It incorporated psychology with forensics. It delved into the minds of psychopaths and how they think. It also incorporated the role of a psychologist when it comes to forensics and law. In addition, my teacher was phenomenal.
Q. What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
My BA degree. I am the first in my immediate family to receive a four-year degree. And the knowledge that I gained from attending the program. Also, my writing skills improved with every class I took.
Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?
I would encourage them to enroll and to not give up. Even if you feel discouraged stay with it. When classes were hard, my motto was “this too shall pass.” I remember when I initially started I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel, it was so dim. Now the light is so bright it blinds me.
Q. Who has been your support system?
My mother, daughter, husband and my close friends have encouraged me through my journey.
Q. What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
Learning how to write in APA style was a bit challenging until I got the hang of it. Maintaining my stamina to cross the finish line during what I perceived as a difficult class was also challenging.
Q. Who or what inspires you to succeed?
My mother encouraged me to succeed. She was such an inspiration to me. She took this journey with me until she passed away in August 2018. However, she was able to attend my AA graduation ceremony on May 5, 2018. And as I crossed the stage in July of this year to receive my BA degree with honors, I could feel her presence all around me.
Q. What is one fun fact about you?
I love to dance but somehow the rhythm… it escapes me!
Have you completed one of Florida Tech’s online programs? We would love to share your success story in our Student Spotlight series. Contact us at studentspotlight@bisk.com for additional details.
