Our Students Go For The Gold, Too!

By Allison Barber
Chancellor, WGU Indiana

I stay up late at night watching the Olympics—even though, thanks to CNN, I already know the outcome. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I hope it indicates that I have a desire to support our athletes who have worked so hard to accomplish their goal. As I was watching and cheering last night, I couldn't help but think about the similarities between our students and the Olympic athletes.

WGU Indiana's online students are pursuing a degree while breaking through all of the barriers. They are parents, employees, volunteers, coaches and WGU Indiana students. I bet they could give Gabby Douglas a run for her money when it comes to flexibility or Michael Phelps a real challenge when it comes to perseverance; or Kayla Harrison a good match when it comes to fighting hard to finish. Although our students will receive a diploma that hangs on their wall instead of a medal that hangs around their neck, they are, in my opinion, champions and role models to all who are watching.

I hope that as I watch our athletes and our students, both from a distance, they are aware of the host of people who are cheering them on to success!