At the community college where I teach, I refer students to Walden because I want to see them take the next step in their education. I give out brochures and share my experiences with anyone interested in earning a higher degree.

People from all backgrounds and all professions, not just nursing, are interested in my experiences at Walden. Sometimes, they are a little skeptical about whether an online university would work for them. I tell them I learned more in the online program at Walden than I ever did in nursing school.

When I came to Walden, my higher education experience was that of sitting in the classroom taking notes, being told what to study, and being passive. At Walden, I was an active co-facilitator in my education. I learned from my instructors, but also from other students—and they learned from me.

I tell people whom I refer that Walden’s online environment will help build their confidence. At Walden, they will be on an equal playing field with their classmates; they will not be intimidated about speaking up in the classroom or engaging with their instructors as they might be in a traditional classroom. Walden will transform their idea of what learning is. As a result, they find their voice, share their knowledge, and build relationships with their classmates and instructors across the country and all over the world.