http://www.dbusiness.com/DBusiness/May-June-2013/Severstal-North-America-Announces-Executive-Leadership-Changes/

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O4t0Mt2xG0

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When I was a young child, I struggled with school. My parents were told I had a learning disability, so they took the school’s advice and gave me the extra help that they thought that I needed. Later, this was a decision that my parents would regret. My parents tried their hardest for me to improve my grades with after school learning activities, summer tutoring, sylvan learning center and all of the help the school offered; but none of the help that I received improved my grades. By the time I was in High School, my grades had suffered greatly. The grades I was receiving were C’s and D’s, with the occasional B. My freshman year, I was not paying attention in school because I was more interested in getting into trouble. My parents pulled me out of the public schools and put me into a private Baptist school. The first year was a culture shock for me at the school, but I soon learned to adapt to the smaller classrooms. I was able to pull my grades up to B’s and C’s. I was finally eligible to play sports again. I graduated high school receiving B’s and C’s. My crowning achievement in High School was perfect attendance my senior year.

After high school I went to Joliet Junior College. Joliet Junior College was a large school with lots of students in each class. This type of class was not compatible with my style of learning. I struggled with math. I took algebra three times before I was able to pass the class. My wife was the one who ended up working with me every day until I was able to pass the class. After ten years of working and going to Joliet Junior College. I was able to graduate with B honors. This was something that I was so proud of because I never had received B honors.

In 2004, I started working at Andrew Corporation which is now Commscope Corporation. I started working on the floor as a machine operator. My first year on the job, I was not a very good employee. I made many mistakes. I was a 21-year-old kid working at his first real job. I had no idea how to operate machines. Once someone believed in me and showed me how to operate the machines, I was determined to be the best operator in the world. I eventually became the best operator at plant which led to my promotion. I worked my way up to the position of coordinator of the cable department, but my personal career goals are much higher now.

After I graduated Joliet Junior College, I enrolled at Lewis University. My first class at Lewis was an online class. I was so nervous because this was a real University and I was not sure how I was going to be able to pass. I was so nervous that I read the syllabus at least 10 times. I received an A in the class. I started to gain confidence in myself which is something that I never had before. I received an A in the second class that I took. The third class that I took was accounting 2. I took accounting 1 at Joliet Junior College as an online class, and received a C- in the class. I had to study for 12 – 15 hours just to pass the final with a B. I had a great teacher for Accounting 2 and I was able to earn an A when I got a C- at Joliet Junior College. I knew my struggles with school were not my fault. I did not have quality educators in my past. Going from C/D student in high school to a 3.921 GPA at Lewis University seems like a huge accomplishment on my part, but in all honesty, giving 100 percent, top notch educators and confidence in my abilities is the reason that I exceled. Most people have the ability to excel at school, but just lack the confidence in their abilities. My two years at Lewis just flew by and I was always looking forward to the next class. Working 50 – 60 hours a week and going to school can be challenging, but dedication and self-confidence are the tools that I used to successfully complete my degree while achieving highest honors.

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This program has enhanced both my personal and professional growth with the courses it offers. Each course has been applied to real life situations which make it easier to understand. It has also given me the opportunity to share my experiences with my classmates and in turn, they have done the same.  I have a greater sense of pride along with respect from my colleagues and upper management ever since I enrolled in LewisUniversityand look forward to the doors that will open because of it.

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Lewis University gives me the opportunity to earn my degree while juggling work and family. The accelerated courses allow me to apply the skills I’ve acquired in the workforce while learning additional information I will use in the future. The course instructors and students I have met along the way demonstrate their knowledge and experiences during each session and make your education relevant to things you will use on the job.

I have just completed my 8^th year with the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund where I will continue to use the knowledge I have gained as a student at Lewis University. Earning my degree from Lewis University will open the door for opportunities to pursue advancement in my company while enjoying a memorable learning experience.

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I am currently in the accelerated program majoring in Business Administration.  Lewis offers great class variety at the main campus as well as the satellite campuses making it very convenient to complete a degree.  I had been thinking about going back to school for a while, I tried to start a couple of times but the situation and the timing was never quite right.  I need to finish my degree if I wanted to advance beyond my current position at work.  The company I work for started to require a degree for many positions beyond entry level jobs.  I am a Distribution Process Manager for Navistar Inc. and have been with the company for 20 years and hope to be there another 20 with the opportunities that I will have with my degree from a high quality school like Lewis University.

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I was able to transfer all of my previous credits from another school without issue. My previous school had an accelerated program, so that was a must for me when considering a 4 year program.

Lewis’ accelerated program offers classes at night which allow me to work a full day without the need to leave early. Classes near my home actually allow me enough time to see my wife and two children before class, which is a big deal when you work full time and travel regularly. The ability to complete coursework anywhere from my laptop is also where the online and blended classes are a huge benefit. I have been on week-long business trips which did not interrupt my class schedule. I am also typically able to book business trips without much thought about missing class as well, which maintains my flexibility as an employee working toward a management position

It is especially important these days to have a degree to remain competitive, both inside and outside of your current work environment, and Lewis’ flexible and relevant undergraduate and graduate programs help you get there, without sacrificing your work and family life.

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Amy Jackson (class of 2011)

After I graduated high school, my mom always said to me that she didn’t think I was going to college.  Not for a lack of encouragement, quite the opposite actually.  She encouraged me to follow my dreams and do whatever I wanted.  For many years I wanted to pursue becoming a professional wrestler.

Once I graduated high school, my opportunity was there and I took it. Being a professional wrestler was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, after five years of the very real falls and injuries, I was done.  I didn’t want to be 30 years old and feel 75.  Thank goodness while pursuing my dreams I continued to attend community college to get my general education credits out of the way.  That paved the way for me to find Lewis University’s accelerated adult program. This kind of program was right up my alley and the best thing that had ever happened to me. The program fits perfectly into my busy and hectic schedule.  Now, having just graduated in December 2011, I’m moving on with the Fast Track MBA program.

Lewis has opened so many doors for me and I can’t express my gratitude to them for creating a program for working adults that works so perfectly.  It’s been an amazing journey. amyrjackson@lewisu.edu

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The Adult Undergraduate Accelerated program at Lewis University allows the flexibility that adult working students need in order to complete their degrees. Lewis University offers high quality classes that are relevant to current business standards. As I embarked on my journey to finish my undergraduate degree, I selected Lewis as the place I wanted to attend. I have not second guessed that decision for a moment.

Recently I took a seminar at Lewis University on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. The seminar, titled, “Coaching: Myers Briggs” was phenomenal! Through interactive exercises, the instructor made the course enjoyable and presented the materials in a way that made me eager to utilize the knowledge into my personal and professional life. This seminar was similar to other courses at Lewis, in that a holistic approach is taken to ensure maximum benefits are received by the student.

I was blessed early in life with two sons. Since children are only little for a short time, my academic career was put on the back burner so that I could enjoy their childhood and teenage years. Now that my sons are older, I have returned to school to complete what I began many years ago.

I am currently employed with a company in downtown Chicago where I have been for the past eight and a half years. I enjoy the analytic work that I perform on a daily basis for my employer; however, I am eager to move into a management role. With my B.A. in Management from Lewis University, I will be able to make this goal a reality.

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I graduated from high school with the goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree, but somehow amid the chaos of life, it was always a want that didn’t quite rank ‘priority.’  That didn’t stop me from feeling conflicted about not pursuing my degree, though, because the want was relentless.

I decided that happiness for my daughter and myself would take more than merely waiting around for it. It needed to be pursued with vigor! Obtaining my degree seemed like the remedy. I knew it wouldn’t be easy; single parenthood, working full-time and going to school simultaneously was a daunting undertaking. I needed a wealth of courage to commit to this journey, but I was determined to rendezvous with success!

That’s when I found Lewis University’s Adult Accelerated Program and it was a perfect fit. It allowed me to attend at my own pace, which was comfortable. I could attend in the evenings after work, at various campuses close to home, and complete my degree in an accelerated format with other adult students who understood the priorities of family life and career.

To my surprise, my daunting task became something that I looked forward to each week. My quest for happiness became a thirst for more knowledge and it has been an amazing journey; one that I will never regret embarking on. Lewis is a place where I have been inspired and motivated, refueled and encouraged. I have expanded my education and my career opportunities while making lasting friendships and learning about my own potential.

The instructors guide and inspire, motivate and mold; and it is all under a faith-based environment, and with the goal of positively impacting our lives. I owe many people a great deal of gratitude for being such a special part of my journey.

This education feels like wings…wings that can take me soaring as high as I’m willing to fly. It’s freedom. It’s inspirational. It’s powerful. It’s mine!

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