Jacob Jarodsky
"I did it, I got my master's degree from a prestigious university. My sense of achievement skyrocketed. I am extremely proud of my accomplishment as well, my classmates."
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I have a wife named Karolyn, who is also a student finishing her BS in Nursing and looking at the master's program. A Son named Tater, who will be 2 in June. Two cats and a coonhound. I enjoy hunting, fly fishing, and tying my own flies."
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "I have spent several years working with at-risk youth and in mental health and behavioral health settings, including hospitals, residential treatment, educational institutions, and wilderness therapy. I stepped away from that work after experiencing burnout and a misalignment with organizational values. In doing so, I recognized I was not practicing what I preached about challenging yourself and pursuing what makes you happy. I knew I wanted a master's degree, and eventually a doctoral degree, but I had not yet committed to chasing that goal."
Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "I did it, I got my master's degree from a prestigious university. My sense of achievement skyrocketed. I am extremely proud of my accomplishment as well, my classmates."
Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "The “I Will Try” motto applies to all aspects of life. Before I started my journey, I read through other people's experiences like this one here, and someone mentioned making a schedule and sticking to it. I made a schedule and stayed disciplined. It was difficult at times, but in the long run, it kept me on track."
Q: "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?"
A: "Thank you to John Broadmeadow, who was a tremendous supporter and cheerleader throughout my journey."
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I became employed at Norwich in pursuit of change and to be part of an organization whose values align with my own. I work on the grounds crew alongside student athletes. I chose the online format to fit my schedule and current commitments. I needed the flexibility to work at my own pace."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "Honestly, I was terrified. I have been out of school for a long time and did not know what to expect. I knew it would be highly demanding and was not sure I could keep up. Once the ball started rolling, it was a grind, and I loved it. I was able to work with people who aligned with my values, from all over the world. We were all in the same boat, working together toward the same goal.
Doors opened that I could not imagine opening."
