Grina Hwang started her UA Online journey in Fall 2016. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Math from Thomas Edison State University, Grina decided she wanted to pursue a career in engineering. That’s when she found UA Online and enrolled in the primarily online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program.
Initially, Grina was interested in the program because of UA Online’s affordability. “A lot of the other programs I was looking at were a lot more expensive,” Grina said. “The cost was one of the things that really drew me in.”
Shortly after starting the hybrid program, Grina took time off from school to have her son and spend time with him. After a move to San Diego, California, Grina felt she was ready to go back to school and resumed her classes in Spring 2020.
Grina said she appreciates the flexibility the program grants her as a mother with a career. “It can be hard to keep up with my education since I am a single mom and I work full time, but I’ve enjoyed the classes I’m in right now and what I’m learning,” Grina said. “I get the freedom to attend classes whenever and wherever I am.”
She makes the most of her time by watching lectures while she does housework and working on homework after her son is in bed. Although she has a lot of late nights of studying, Grina has a passion for engineering that pushes her forward.
Grina’s astronautics class has been her favorite part of the program so far. It’s even inspired her to think about pursuing a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering after she finishes her bachelor’s.
“I kind of want to work for NASA or Space X, that would be my ultimate dream. I’m really interested in space and I know that this degree will get me where I want to be,” Grina said.
Grina currently works for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a functional analyst where she analyzes and organizes data for her clients. Due to social distancing measures, she is working from home which gives her more time to spend with her son and work on classwork. Grina said her professors understand the pressures students are going through right now.
“I was unsure at first because distance classes can be difficult, but the professors understand the demands of balancing work and school and life at the same time,” Grina said.
Grina is set to graduate in Spring 2022. She hopes to attend a football game while a UA Online student and travel to campus for commencement activities.
“I don’t see a lot of people like me who are single parents or women interested in engineering. And it can be really tough, but I know this is what I want to do.”
Published: September 2nd, 2020