Jennifer Moves Once a Year — Our Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Came With Her

After 32 moves in 32 years, Jennifer returned to college full-time. She completed her bachelor’s in criminal justice tuition-free and 100% online. In this interview with the NMSU Global Campus Blog, our proud grad shares how she overcame personal hurdles and achieved her academic goals.

Embracing Opportunity and Online Learning

When Jennifer S. graduated with her Bachelor of Criminal Justice from NMSU Global Campus, it marked the culmination of a remarkable journey. She had already earned several college credits before enrolling in the online program and choosing criminal justice as her major.

Initially, Jennifer balanced a full-time job while attending in-person classes, all while relocating frequently for her husband’s work. “We’ve had 32 different residences in 32 years of marriage,” she recalls. But in 2022, the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship opened the door to a tuition-free undergraduate degree for all eligible state residents. Jennifer saw it as the perfect moment to rededicate herself to finishing her degree.

A program of study at NMSU Global Campus is perfect for adults with mobile lifestyles like Jennifer. “Knowing we could move at any time,” she says, “I decided an online degree would work best for me.” She transitioned to being a full-time, online student and decided on her field of study: criminal justice. “I was very interested in learning about criminal procedure and the law,” Jennifer explains. She was also inspired by her uncle, a longtime police captain, whom she has always admired.

“I was thrilled when I was accepted and immediately started taking classes.”

Jennifer S., Class of ’24

Soon after learning about the program, Jennifer connected with Marija Dimitrijevic, a stellar professor who coordinates the online criminal justice degrees at NMSU Global Campus. “Marija was there from my early questions about the criminal justice program to [teaching] one of my last classes to complete my degree,” she enthuses. “I took her classes whenever I was able and learned a lot from each one.”

Balancing Life with Academic Success

Jennifer’s academic journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Managing the demands of a full course load, she found strength and encouragement in her support network. “My husband would often tell me about the difficult classes he faced as an undergraduate,” she says. His reassurance helped her stay motivated during tough times.

Jennifer also found inspiration in her cousin Kris, who has been battling cancer. “She’s a true warrior,” Jennifer shares. “She always cheered me on… and I’m so grateful to have her in my corner.”

One of the most difficult moments came when Jennifer’s father passed away during her studies. “I was executor of my father’s estate,” she recalls, “and found a full load of classes while dealing with grief and all of my dad’s business affairs very stressful.” She credits her instructors at NMSU Global Campus for their understanding and kindness; they all extended assignment deadlines for her.

Despite these personal struggles, she never missed a due date. “It kept me inspired,” Jennifer says of the support she received from family, faculty, and staff while completing her undergraduate studies.

The Power of Staying Open-Minded

In her final semester at NMSU Global Campus, Jennifer stumbled upon an unexpected source of support: a mindfulness course she chose as an elective. She found it became a vital tool to help her navigate the challenges of being a full-time student online. “I would recommend students take this course earlier in their college career,” she suggests. “It really helped me relax and get more comfortable with everything.”

As Jennifer reflects on her path to graduation, she admits that “returning to school later in life was a little intimidating. I had never taken an online class before.” But her courage to face the unknown and her ability to stay open-minded were driving forces behind her success at NMSU Global Campus. “Taking classes full-time was more difficult than I thought it would be,” she admits, “but also, so much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.”

“I’m unsure what’s next, but because I attended NMSU Global Campus, I am moving through the world with a great education and my interests are much wider than they were.”

Jennifer S., Class of ’24

Looking ahead, Jennifer does so with the confidence that comes from hard-earned achievement. Her advice for others considering a return to education? ” Stick with it,” she encourages. “There were many times when I felt defeated, but I was fortunate to have a support network.” Her resilience and determination are a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to grow, learn, and achieve more than you thought possible.

Your Pathway to Success at NMSU Global Campus

At NMSU Global Campus, we believe in the power of perseverance and the value of hard work. No matter where you are in your educational journey, our online learning community provides the support, resources, and flexibility to succeed — both in the classroom and beyond. From the moment you inquire or apply, to after your graduation, the staff and faculty here will work to help you keep moving towards your goals.

If you’re an eligible New Mexico resident, you may also be able to take advantage of the Opportunity Scholarship. This award can cover up to 100% of the tuition costs for your first undergraduate degree. If you qualify and enroll in one of our online bachelor’s programs, you’ll be automatically awarded the scholarship and can start earning your degree at no cost right away. Reach out to an Admissions Advisor today to check your eligibility.

Your educational journey is unique, and we are here to help you navigate it every step of the way. Take your next step with NMSU Global Campus!