Casey McConnell 2007

Where to you live?
Florida

Major?
Interdisciplinary Studies

What were you doing before you came to Woodbury?
I was making quite a bit of money at a Fortune 500 company, but something was just missing. I found that money did not bring me happiness or the satisfaction that comes from helping our world or communities.

What inspired you to go back to school?
At the age of 47, I found Woodbury while vacationing in Vermont. I live in Florida and was surprised at what I was able to accomplish by living in Florida and attending school in Vermont. It wasn’t an easy task for a middle-aged woman changing careers, but Woodbury’s blend of on-line coursework and intermittent face-to-face meetings made it possible to pursue my degree.

Why did you choose Woodbury College?
As soon as I attended my first class, I knew I had chosen the right place to gain the skills and knowledge needed to help make a difference in people’s lives. I was in awe listening to other student’s stories and I admired their perseverance. I listened to people from all walks of life that truly wanted to help move society in a positive direction. I met people that wanted to help children, help the homeless and those living in poverty; I met people that wanted careers in law help others. I was moved and touched to be in such an environment.

What skills did you learn at Woodbury? How?
I had a great internship coordinator, Jessie Lynn, who helped steer me in the directions that I wanted to go. I was not quite sure how living in Florida and interning would work, but it did! I had the most life changing and incredible internship at Zatz and Renfrew Consulting, learning lobbying skills at the Vermont State House. Virginia Renfrew was my mentor and she really took the time to teach me some of the skills that I would need in Public Policy. I stayed in Vermont for the entire legislative session and I learned about the kinds of careers I could pursue when I finished my B.S. in the Interdisciplinary Program with an emphasis on Public Policy/Advocacy.

I finished my last class this past June 28th, and can say I felt sadness to leave the good friends I met at Woodbury, but I knew it was time to take my new skills south to Florida and get to work doing something I love.

How is your life different now?
I have had 3 job offers since returning and am now thinking where I might be most effective. These opportunities would have never presented themselves had I not pursued a Woodbury education.

Is there anything you’d like to say to a prospective student?
I would highly recommend Woodbury to anyone that has ever felt that little tingle in their stomach that “something is missing” in their current job.  It can be done from a distance with the blended classes and the flexibility Woodbury offers its students. I can truly say I miss Vermont, but the skills I learned from my time there will be put to good use here in my home state of Florida.