07/13/10

HAYS, Kan. -- Holding a full-time job, raising a family of eight, taking care of an elderly mother and being an adjunct professor at a local community college wasn't about to stop Peteru K. Gago-Lam Yuen, Pago Pago, American Samoa,from pursuing his goal of a master's degree from Fort Hays State University's Virtual College.

Options for higher education in American Samoa is somewhat limited. With no four-year accredited institutions on the islands, residents are relegated to a two-year degree or an online education. Gago-Lam Yuen chose the latter, and he chose FHSU.

"FHSU is affordable, accredited and not a traditional online education," he said. "I liked the idea I could switch to on-campus if I wanted and that the classes were a normal semester instead of compacted like other online classes."

Gago-Lam Yuen earned a Bachelor of Science in justice studies and a Master of Liberal Studies in social sciences.

Gago-Lam Yuen used one word to describe his experience at FHSU: "Convenience."

"I could still focus on my family and a full-time job while still being on my way to earning a degree," he said. "If anyone asked me about FHSU, I'd tell them they wouldn't regret it."

Although he already held a job when he started his degree, FHSU still provided benefits to his career.

"FHSU gave me the opportunity to learn about societal and leadership skills," he said. "It also expanded my knowledge base and gave me effective decision-making skills."

Aside from the quality education Gago-Lam Yuen received, FHSU also made him feel right at home.

"I felt very much connected," he said. "The regular semester schedule, faculty and advisors all made me feel like I was back in school at my two-year college."

"I am very grateful to FHSU for striving to hold onto its previous motto of 'affordable success' by maintaining a low-cost tuition while at the same time expanding its horizons to stay successful in a competitive online school market," he said. "They are really taking on the new motto of 'Forward thinking. World ready.'"

When asked if he had anything else to add, all Gago-Lam Yuen could say was "I love you, FHSU!"