Balancing work and an online Applied Psychology: Education Advocacy degree 

Wondering if you can balance a job and an online bachelor’s degree? Meet Kiara Colon ‘26, a student in the Applied Psychology: Education Advocacy, B.S. program at the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies. After making a last-minute decision to change majors, Kiara discovered UNH Online and worked closely with her advisor to create an accelerated academic plan. 

While working-part time as a registered behavior technician, she completed most of her coursework, and this September she began a full-time role as an instructional assistant in the school system while finishing her degree. The program’s focus on human behavior, educational systems, and advocacy has helped her advance toward her academic and professional goals. She is now on track to earn her online applied psychology degree in December 2026 before celebrating at the May 2027 commencement ceremony. 

"This experience has taught me that although I view myself as average, I am in fact capable of hard things."   

What brought you to UNH Online and the Psychology: Education Advocacy program?  

After high school, I went straight to community college for my associate's degree. I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I tried the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting program. I was going to transfer to UNH Manchester for the interpreting degree, but I already knew ASL might not be the right career path for me, so I decided to look at my other options.  

I found UNH Online and was interested in the psychology program. I work with students with autism, so I took a liking to Applied Psychology: Education Advocacy. I decided to switch my major last minute, even though I had intended to do interpreting.  

Why did you choose to learn online?  

When I started, I was working part time as a behavior technician in an ABA clinic during the day. UNH Online was more convenient because I could manage my schedule around work and it was also more affordable. I was able to pay for each semester out of pocket.  

Online learning also allowed me to take on my current full-time job as an instructional assistant in the school system. If I weren't an online student, I couldn’t work my usual hours and go home to complete my coursework. It also saves me gas money since I don't have to travel to school. I live an hour from the main campus, so I'm thankful I had the opportunity to enroll in UNH Online.  

Was there a staff member who supported you along the way?  

My academic advisor, Keri Bresaw. When I first signed up, I didn't know what to expect, and Keri did a phenomenal job explaining how to register for classes, what financial aid resources I had, and what to expect as an online student.  

I'm especially grateful because I was switching majors and stressed about how long it would take. She explained how many of my credits transferred and which classes I still needed. I told her I wanted to finish as soon as possible. I'd spent three years on my associate's degree, which made me feel like I was lagging behind my peers, and I also just wanted to be done with school for the time being. When I asked for the quickest way to finish, she created what felt like a daunting plan: 16 classes within a year and a half.  

She also introduced me to Study.com, where I could complete school-approved coursework and transfer the credits. I took six transferrable classes alongside my focused UNH classes. My advisor told me that if I felt comfortable with it and thought I could do it, I should go for it. It's because of Keri that I'm finishing my degree in a shorter time frame.  

She also sent check-in emails and let me know when I needed to sign up for classes. It's easy to get distracted with coursework, but she always kept my academic goals organized.  

What has surprised you most about your coursework?  

How thoroughly it was set up and how much it challenged me in my daily life. It's made me think about things I wouldn't have originally thought of, and I feel like it's made me a more thoughtful person. The more I learn about how important education is, the more I think I might want to pursue it in the future. It's made me more reflective about my life and the direction I want to go.  

How do you stay motivated while working full time and going to school?  

I'll be completely honest: it's very hard. What keeps me going is my family's support, watching my friends accomplish their goals, and wanting to better myself for my future. I think about wanting a good job and a home of my own, and I know finishing my education is how I get there. I remind myself that I'm doing this so I can become someone I'm proud to be.  

I also come from a lower-income city where people expect less of my community. I want to add to the Hispanic population that has attained a degree and show my community what we're capable of achieving.  

What have you learned about yourself?  

This experience has taught me that although I view myself as average, I am in fact capable of hard things. I didn't know if I could complete 16 classes in a year and a half until I tried, and now it's happening. I have two classes left in the fall 2026 semester, and I'm only 8 credits away from my degree. I think about that every day, and it's something I can truly be proud of.  

I also learned that there are times when I feel like giving up, but I push through because I'm stubborn about my goals.  

Inspired by Kiara's Story?  

Kiara's story shows that a degree can fit into a busy life, even while working full time and navigating a few unexpected turns. With the flexibility of the online Applied Psychology: Education Advocacy, B.S. program and her advisor’s support, she turned a change in direction into a clear path toward her goals. As she prepares to graduate, Kiara hopes her story encourages others to take that next step toward a meaningful career in education advocacy and related fields.