Today we are talking with Janet Konarski, a criminal justice student and recipient of the Jane Ireland Student Fund scholarship. Janet shares a little about her most valuable experiences during her time at World Campus.
What has been the most rewarding part about returning to school?
By putting the time in, I actually have done very well with having made the Dean’s List three times. I am able to keep up with the work and learn. It is an amazing feeling at 54 to be able to accomplish this.
What has been most challenging about your World Campus experience?
The hardest part was the fear of not being able to complete classes and to not just pass the classes, but to exceed that. I did not want to fail.
What inspired your return to school?
After raising my four children, I decided it was time to move on from my associate degree, which I had since 1988, and get my bachelor’s degree.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned?
You are never too old to learn and start a new career. If you want it, you can obtain it with hard work and dedication. You need to catch your dreams. As Robert Griffin III, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, stated “You have to catch your dreams, not chase them,” and you will get there. Great philosophy.
What do you see as your next step after graduation?
I have one more year of school left. I am hoping to begin a new career that combines my 30 years of medical work and schooling with my Criminal Justice degree. I am hoping to finally, after many years of working two jobs, work one job and be the best that I can at the position I am holding at that time. When I can get that new career I anticipate working on my master’s degree and continue to learn.
Do you have any advice to share with other students?
Believe in yourself and work hard. If you want it, you can have it, but you have to put the time in. If you do that, you will be rewarded in the end. You cannot expect things to just happen. Work with your professors. Let them know your concerns and ask for help. Do not give up. Your future is out there waiting for you.
About the Jane Ireland Student Fund
Formerly known as the World Campus Student Fund, the Jane Ireland Student Fund is a scholarship program funded by World Campus staff and students. For information on this, and other World Campus scholarship opportunities, be sure to check out our scholarships page.
