Three Class of 2025 graduates of the Online Degree Completion Program share what makes the Simmons program special and a great option for students with full-time jobs and family responsibilities.
When Evie Trainor ’25, a graduate of the human services online program at Simmons, first considered completing her undergraduate degree, she was inspired by the support of her own care team.
“The work I did with my therapist and my prescriber made a huge impact on me,” says Trainor. “The way that they have taken their time and been patient with me — we need more of that in the field. I want to return all the good that I got.”
Trainor brought that generosity of spirit to her studies in the Simmons School of Social Work, where she found another type of care team ready to work with her.
“I met with the Student Success advisors,” she recalls of her first semester. “They were checking in on me, asking, how was I doing? Do I have a social life? This is not what other schools do!”
Faculty Connection and Support
The uniqueness of the Online Degree Completion Program is echoed by general studies graduate Susan Randall ’25. “The faculty are amazing. I love my advisor, Christine Henningson, who has been so patient and helpful.”
Randall first came to Simmons as a Dix Scholar in 1999, but struggled to balance her studies with full-time work. Now that she’s completed her bachelor’s degree, she’s eager to continue her research and writing and is considering pursuing a master’s degree.
Valdajean Jordan ’25, a case manager at a women’s recovery program, wanted to further her education to support her clients better. She pursued the applied psychology online degree.
“Simmons professors care,” recalls Jordan. “Simmons has taught me a lot. William Curran [SSW faculty member] was teaching clinical psychology and he was also into the clinical social work aspect of it. After that class, I wanted to further my career in a social work framework. I’m starting a Master’s in Social Work [MSW] in September.”
Trainor also praised the SSW faculty for using current events as topics for discussion.
“We had conversations we usually don’t get to have in the regular world,” she says. “They turned [the news of the day] into a lesson about social work, and were constantly checking in on us.”
Trainor recalls one class discussion that triggered her own anxiety. “[SSW faculty member] Judy Han had a 20-minute conversation with me after class, showing me how to view things objectively as opposed to subjectively,” she says. “She told me what I could work on with my therapist. That influenced how I handle everything. All the professors I interacted with were amazing.”
Learning Alongside Students from All Backgrounds
Many prospective students are hesitant to complete their bachelor’s degrees due to negative experiences in the past. Jordan, who struggled with group projects in her first attempt at higher education, had a great experience at Simmons. “The students all got together and we all put in our ideas and formulated [a project] from them.” Jordan even started a study group with other online students, all done remotely.
“Don't worry about age or economic circumstances or even your past academic record,” says Randall. “Don't let your past hold you back and don't listen to anyone if they tell you you can't do it. All of the work I have done at Simmons has been very eye-opening. The most amazing class was Health, Illness & Society. I was shocked at how much I did not know about the depth of inequality there is in the healthcare system.”
The breadth of experience offered by the students only enriches the classroom experience.
“These classes have people of all ages, with all sorts of life experiences,” says Trainor. “We got to bring all of our experiences into our conversations, and I never felt like I was out of place. Once I was in the program, I never felt like I was too old or not capable.”
Finding Support and Success
Trainor also praises Accessibility Services and the Writing Center. “Don’t be afraid to use those services,” says Trainor. “My writing is so much better! Ask for help when you need it, and use everything the school offers — it helps!”
While working full-time and attending school was challenging, Jordan says the hard work was worthwhile. “If I was stuck with a client, I would talk to my professors for their expertise, which was great.” Now, Jordan is inspiring those around her. “I’m 61 and the people I work with — co-workers and clients — are saying, ‘if you can do it, maybe I can, too.’”
Trainor recalls tearing up as she prepared to cross the stage at Commencement in May of 2025. “I never thought I would be graduating from college ever, or with top honors. This was a very big accomplishment for me, and I’m very proud of it. I don’t know what else in my life will compare to that feeling.”
