JoElla has worked as a contract Security Officer at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station for the past 5 ½ years. Her specific role is the prevention of nuclear sabotage. According to JoElla, "In protecting Seabrook, I've had the opportunity to familiarize myself with the nuclear industry and I like what I see. There is considerable corporate responsibility. If the decision is to save money vs. run the plant safely - they will choose safety every time. In addition, FPL's employees are very enthusiastic about their careers. Plus, I see the importance of alternate energy sources. These things combine to help me know this is an industry that I want to be a part of."

Like many adult learners, JoElla took a break between high school and college, "I knew that if I wanted to work in nuclear energy I would need to go back to school but a twenty-year break made that notion very intimidating." Then an FPL employee told her about EPCE's online educational offerings. After investigating EPCE and discovering that programs are built and endorsed by the industry, fully accredited and offered entirely online, JoElla enrolled in the summer of 2005.

JoElla is scheduled to graduate with her Certificate and AAS degree in Nuclear Power Technology from BSC in December, 2007. When asked about her experience at BSC, JoElla replied, "The flexibility of online learning is fantastic and the curriculum and instructors are terrific. The learning environment is highly supportive and collaborative. People in my classes were all ages and walks of life so we were able to learn from each other. During class discussions, this diversity opened a myriad of ideas and information exchange."

JoElla's advice to other EPCE learners is, "Fully utilize the resources offered by BSC. Their advisors and online tutors are always willing to help and the online library is an invaluable tool."

Because of her technical writing classes, JoElla has been promoted to write Procedure Manuals for the security company with which she is currently employed. However, in earning her AAS degree she now knows other opportunities will present themselves. "When I look at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's website along with industry trends, I see many companies applying for advanced licensing. That, coupled with increased energy consumption in general makes me feel job security and a bright future. I plan to enter the industry soon, continue my educational pursuits and ultimately become a Nuclear Plant Reactor Operator."