Two things were important to Ed Cochran — his family and getting his degree. In order to balance both of these, he and his family decided to consider his degree as a shared goal and to treat his study time as part of the schedule just like baseball practice and parent/teacher conferences.

"While I do feel guilty at times, the importance of a quality education and the commitment needed to be successful is a lesson my boys will not soon forget," says Ed.

Ed's first priority is his family so he generally adjusts his schedule around his boys' activities. Some days are busier than others. When Ed returns home from work at IBM, the boys scramble to change clothes for basketball, baseball, or flag football practice. Ed grabs his laptop and course assignments then he and his wife head in different directions. As his boys are practicing baseball Ed is in the stands completing his homework.

"Other days we arrive home and there are no practices, games, or school functions, during those times my family allows me some 'quiet time' to complete assignments. Somehow we manage to fit it all in." he says.

The experience of taking courses in and completing Penn State's online bachelor's degree in organizational leadership has helped Ed excel in both his personal and professional lives. He can apply what he's learning about labor and industry to discussions and meetings at work, while benefitting from the confidence he's gained in everyday social conversations as well. "Everything I'm learning is really very pertinent to me," he says. "I have gained confidence in my ability to learn at a high level and to accomplish my educational goals at Penn State."