In 2003 I graduated high school and was accepted to a professional musical theatre program. Later that year I became ill and required a surgery that ultimately changed my singing voice. The change in my voice prevented me from pursuing my dream career any further. Down on my luck and truly lost on the direction I should take I decided it was time to pick up the pieces and move forward. I interviewed and obtained a job with a company local in Phoenix that partnered with Rio Salado College. Through my employer I was given the opportunity to complete four courses online and the best part was I received college credit. The information I was provided through the Rio courses truly gave me the knowledge to excel in my job. I never forgot that experience and have gone back to Rio Salado several times. In Fall 2008 I was enrolled at Arizona State University (ASU) full time while working a full time job. I was one year away from graduation and needed to complete a class only offered at ASU during the day. I turned to the college that tailors their education to meet various student needs – Rio Salado. The dual enrollment option allowed me to attend both ASU and Rio. With a new course starting every Monday I was able to start right away and progress at my own pace. Even though the content was challenging for me I found Rio had answer for that too! I was closest to the Tempe campus at the time and had the opportunity to use the tutoring center. I was able to go to the tutoring center in the evenings and work with knowledgeable staff ever time. I passed the course with flying colors and graduated on time. To this day whenever I am asked for a recommendation to a college I always say Rio Salado. They have truly paved the way in online adult education and I cannot thank them enough for understanding that there is not a “one size fits all” student.

Signed,
Stephanie Chachula