A couple of years ago, I embarked on a journey to further my education. While I know that college, in most cases, is a massive waste of money and effort, I also knew that my goal for the future would require specific professional licenses and higher degrees than the typical BA program. Unfortunately, I never finished my initial BA program, which forced me to seek one out. Of course being a working mother at the time, I was never going to embrace a physical locality or institution. Plus, I might be polite to most people I talk to, but I don't care to be anyone's best friend for life in most cases. I have since experienced two types of accredited online universities: a liberal institution based in Massachusetts and a conservative institution based in Phoenix, Arizona. For parents with college-age kids, you may or may not be surprised to read what I have found about the differences (and similarities) between the two.
Southern New Hampshire University was my first choice. Really, it was my first choice because my dumb-ass self didn't do enough research on schools before starting anything. I initially only cared to know if it A.) Had the correct Programs, B.) Was highly Accredited and C.) Had an Opportunity in the Same Institution for Licensing/ Certification. Southern New Hampshire fit all the categories at the time. I mostly had no concerns about an institution's political bias and environment because I already knew they were bad. Likewise, I know who I am and I really could give about two shites less what their agenda is.
My main issue with SNHU wasn't exactly the political bias. Surprisingly enough, I excelled with a 4.0 throughout my time there without compromising my own values on the papers I wrote and the research I did. To put it simply - it was boring. Yes, there were times I had to deal with the LGBTQ agenda. Yes, there were times I had to touch on women's suffrage. All of those things come easily to me because I'm already an established woman who knows how to investigate proper sources, etc. I was never refuted in my papers or downgraded because they couldn't prove anything I wrote as false. The danger lies in the ease of the university coupled with the bias. I could see how I may not have made it out alive had I attended the very same university say, 13 years ago. Anyone who can follow directions can have a 4.0. It takes not one iota of intelligent life on this planet to pass courses with flying colors in this institution.
Fast forward a wee bit, and I'm so bored out of my noggin that I really needed a change. Plus, the bias did start to wear on me toward the end because I am in a behavioral health program for adolescents, and SNHU was really indoctrinating gender-affirming care. The whole reason I have a desire to be in the field is to combat gender-affirming care. So, I was quite irritated by a few courses when half of its content centered around the matter. I decided to transfer.
As Michael Knowles graced my kitchen via podcast while making Korean Bulgogi, I heard him talk about Grand Canyon University. I transferred very seamlessly. The environment was a 180. The work isn't more complex per se but is slightly more involved. There is always discussion about integrity in every course, and nothing rainbow-related (unless it's the covenant, of course). There is absolutely no concern for veering off into the abyss of liberal egocentrism. I am concerned that I am still too bored. I am starting to wonder if my problem is just being too old for all this, but the goal is long and I'm not hanging in any towels.
The two schools had one similarity between courses that I find fascinating. Students are now required to take an entire class on "Information Literacy." This is maybe the most politically relevant course students could ever take. Interestingly enough, the courses include almost the same content, library, and functionalities, mainly focusing on driving students away from left-centered engines like Google. I am interested to see how this new type of course changes the dynamic in outcomes for student political leanings. It may change nothing as the left has an excellent grasp on reeling people in using emotional farse. But I do have hope for the future, that it will be a minor component to turning the tide for some students and the next generation.
I will leave you with this:
If the work is easy, the agenda must be tumultuous. This is the only way to engage young people without losing them to a trade or something actually meaningful.
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