Justin Sanders
Hometown: Morrilton, Arkansas
DeVry campus: Dallas
Degree program: Network Systems Administration
Expected graduation: 2007
Why DeVry?
In high school, I procrastinated and had fun. I wanted to go a four-year state college to play sports and be with my friends for more of the same. Fortunately a DeVry recruiter showed me how I could start my career quickly if I went to DeVry. I knew I would need individual attention from the teachers to turn myself around and I expected to need tutoring in my classes. DeVry offered both.
Originally I intended to earn a degree in Electronics and Computer Technology, but I switched to Network Systems Administration because there are so many good jobs in that field and the program is less expensive because it’s a two-year degree.
The financial help I needed.
Most of my DeVry education is paid for by financial aid and small grants that DeVry helped me get. The financial advisors walk you through the things you don’t understand. I also work as a part-time supervisor on the night shift at UPS, and they give me a tuition reimbursement.
Great teachers—patient, thorough and supportive.
DeVry teachers are great. The way they teach is great. They are patient, thorough, and they give you the individualized attention you need. My teachers even gave me their phone numbers and email addresses and told me to contact them if I needed any help whatsoever. They were so helpful, in fact, that I never needed a tutor, though there are tutoring services available.
Classes are small at DeVry, so teachers can give you more attention. The teachers care more about you learning than they do about your grades. That made a big difference to my attitude and my performance.
From a small town—to a large circle of friends.
It’s been very easy to make friends. I came here a year ago from a small town—so small it was 20 miles from the nearest store. I was shy and didn’t know how I would do living in a big city like Dallas. Everybody at DeVry was very open, nice, and talkative. My roommates introduced me around and now I have lots of friends. We play ping-pong or video games, plus I work out and go to church.
The college lifestyle.
I have three roommates and we share an apartment that DeVry helped us arrange. My roommates all have the same major as me, so it’s like having my own study group always around. Apartment living is great; there is no curfew. You do have to do your own cleaning though.
Hands-on, life-based learning.
I go to school year-round. I didn’t like the idea at first but in a way it is easier than taking summers off because of the way DeVry is set up. DeVry is very hands-on; you really focus on your major and they make sure you learn. They also make sure you are well rounded… you learn public speaking and career skills as well as your major. In other colleges, you can study, study, study, and it’s all books and tests. At DeVry, you are the book. This is life-based learning, as well as text-based.
The value of a DeVry degree is equal to or exceeds a degree from other universities, plus they provide more general education in what you need to know to succeed.
The best part: A bright future.
I expect to get a good job. Friends who have graduated used Career Services and said they were very helpful. They all found good jobs quickly. I see great opportunities and benefits to network systems administration, and DeVry is teaching me how to expand my career options once I’m out there.
