Cheryl was hired at Oklahoma Gas & Electric five years ago after spending several years in the Commercial Electrical industry. During orientation, OG&E introduced the EPCE-sponsored degree programs at Bismarck State College.  She had always been an ambitious person having two Associate's degrees in Computer Aided Drafting and almost finished with a third.  She decided to enroll.

With a young daughter at home, Cheryl had to learn how to manage her time.  Completing her homework once her daughter was in bed and taking tests on the weekends worked for her.  “Plain and simple, you have to be able to manage your time or you won’t pass the courses.”  Cheryl really enjoyed her experience since she was able to complete her courses on her own schedule. “With kids and life, online is just easier.”

When she came across questions, her instructors and fellow students were always available. She also developed other methods like enlisting the help of her co-workers with her trigonometry course, and researching on the internet.

When asked about advice for potential students, Cheryl couldn’t stress enough that, “It is not as easy as it sounds. You have to be disciplined, motivated, and you must make sure it is what you want to do.”

Cheryl has no immediate plans of furthering her education.  She is looking forward to the formative years with her daughter.  There is always the possibility once her daughter grows up.