Learner Online Learning Innovator Scholarship for Veterans

As a veteran and a graduate student balancing roles as a mother and an intern, online platforms have become my mission-critical tools for education and growth. My experience as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy taught me to adapt to complex environments and think critically under pressure. That adaptability now drives how I approach my studies in criminal justice and social work, and online tools like Google Scholar, Coursera, and virtual libraries play a pivotal role in that process.These platforms are more than just convenient, they’re transformative. During my military service, I often relied on rapid access to resources and efficient decision-making to deliver healthcare in high-pressure situations. Online learning mirrors that environment by offering me the flexibility to balance academic rigor with real-world responsibilities. For example, Coursera’s expertly designed courses provide structured modules that establish a foundation, while peer discussions and interactive components challenge me to think critically and collaborate with diverse perspectives. Recently, I used these tools to refine my understanding of restorative justice, which directly informed strategies I now implement during court observations and advocacy work with the Center for Children’s Rights. Google Scholar has become an indispensable tool in my research process, enabling me to access cutting-edge studies and evidence-based practices. This is critical not only for academic success but also for ensuring my work aligns with the latest developments in juvenile justice. By leveraging these resources, I can create actionable solutions that make a tangible impact, whether it’s through improving housing placement timelines for families or designing interventions that reduce the time children spend in coordinated entry systems. Virtual learning platforms have also revolutionized how I approach collaboration. Digital tools like Zoom and online libraries connect me with instructors and peers across disciplines, fostering a diverse learning environment. This global perspective enriches my work, ensuring that the strategies I develop are informed by a wide range of cultural and social experiences, something I’ve valued deeply since my time serving in Japan, Guam, and the Philippines. Flexibility is another critical advantage of online learning. These platforms allow me to tailor my studies around my son’s school activities, and my responsibilities as an intern. Whether I’m analyzing research papers late at night or reviewing coursework in the moments between court observations, I can maintain peak performance in all aspects of my life. This adaptability not only fuels my academic growth but also strengthens my ability to navigate complex challenges in my future career. What sets online learning apart is its ability to transform passive knowledge into active application. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about using that information to push boundaries, solve problems, and create meaningful change. For example, an online module on systemic inequality didn’t just help me understand policy nuances; it reshaped my approach to advocacy by giving me tools to break down barriers and drive collaborative solutions. Online platforms have become a vehicle for more than just learning, they’re a means of personal evolution. They allow me to bridge the gap between the rigor of academia and the demands of real life, ensuring I’m always operating at the edge of my potential. Just as my military training prepared me to adapt, innovate, and thrive under pressure, these tools equip me to approach education and advocacy with the same resilience and forward momentum. With online platforms, I’m not just pursuing academic goals, I’m building a foundation for lifelong impact. This scholarship would further fuel that journey, empowering me to continue pushing boundaries and applying what I learn to create meaningful change in the world.

As a law and policy major who tends to choose courses that I know will challenge me, online platforms, tools, and resources have been essential to furthering my understanding of what I'm studying. Until college, I often used Quizlet to help with memorization. The flashcards and memory games made vocabulary a breeze. But, now that my assignments are typically long-form writing assignments to demonstrate my understanding of a concept, I've found that YouTube and Coursera are the most beneficial to me as a student. Within academia, YouTube has garnered a reputation similar to that of Wikipedia. Professors warn against using YouTube because it is a platform where anyone can post anything, whether it is accurate or not. To me, this is unfair. YouTube has thousands of vetted experts posting videos on topics they are passionate about. For example, the channel The Amoeba Sisters is a collaboration between real-life sisters, one creating the art, and the other, using what she's learned from her MS in biological sciences, narrates. There are countless other examples, in almost every subject, of highly educated and talented people making videos curated for those who want to learn. If I am struggling in a class, there is surely some YouTube creator who will be able to explain the topic in a different way, which will help me succeed. Of course, sometimes I need to verify that the creator has experience in whatever field they're discussing. But, generally, people with educational channels post their credentials anyway, making it easier to tell who to trust. The other platform I use is Coursera. Coursera is a website/app where accredited universities can post online, self-paced versions of their courses. Right now, I'm taking a course on how law and ethics intersect in the context of running a business. Since the courses are self-paced, it is ideal for someone who wants to supplement their learning while already enrolled at a college/university. It is also ideal for anyone curious about a topic, especially as the courses are free. Earning a certificate for completing a Coursera course is possible but comes with a fee. However, the platform has granted me three full scholarships, meaning I have received credit for completing two courses (then, the one I am currently taking). The scholarship opportunities, and ease of application, make it clear to me that Coursera is truly invested in broadening access to education. Though I am quite wary of AI, it has been helpful to me when doing research. Tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard can process more complex search queries than a typical search engine. As an intern whose responsibilities often include finding specific and obscure pieces of information, AI has certainly been useful. In an increasingly digitized world, online learning is now more popular and extensive than ever. It has helped me understand subjects I struggle with and enhanced my interest in subjects I love. Though YouTube and Coursera are what work for me, there are many other educational platforms online to explore. As I work toward my degree, I'm sure to utilize more of these resources.