LB iLearn Online: Student Testimonial

Anissa Teslow Cheek is enrolled in LB iLearn’s certificate program for social media. She has already earned her Bachelor’s from Oregon State University in Speech Communication, and while waiting to apply for her Master’s, Anissa decided to add another credential to her resume and become certified as social media specialist.

“My main purpose of gaining the certificate is to have it as an added bonus to my toolbox of communication and to try to have an extra relevant skill in the current job market,” she said.

While taking her courses online, Anissa juggles her time with an internship at Benton Habitat for Humanity. She started her internship managing their social media sites, but soon realized she only had knowledge from her experience using personal social media accounts. She decided given her career path that she should expand her horizons to a more professional training, benefiting her and her job.

“Even just one and a half courses in, I have implemented new tools to make their Facebook and Twitter campaigns more successful based on overall engagement, bringing awareness of what we do and the programs we offer, and leads to volunteering and donations.”

Anissa’s chosen career is part passion and part practicality. She’s been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a chronic and painful disorder to connective tissue and joints. Considering her physical limitations, the ability to work behind a computer gives her more options.

“Due to my physical disability, having a position I can do online with flexible hours and little to no traveling required makes being a social media specialist a more feasible occupation, if not an emotionally gratifying one.”

Since the goal of the program is to help people on an individual basis while they attend to life’s demands, Anissa, like other students, is assigned a Navigator to guide her through until completion. She has found support from her Navigator, Amber Vore, while balancing her health and course-work.

“Amber has been great at helping me come to the realization it is okay to adjust my original deadlines and refocus my attention to my health and then school as needed,” she said. “I do not feel pressured to be fast or turn in sloppy work just to get it done.”

Overall, her experience with LB iLearn so far has been positive.

“[Amber] has made sure that I can continue moving forward, no matter what the pace, given me confidence in my abilities, and is always easily accessible when I’ve had questions or concerns,” she said. “I would recommend LB iLearn to others, at least for the social media specialist certificate, due to its relevancy in the current job market.”