What was the most challenging aspect of your time at Extension? What was the most rewarding?
Certainly, the most challenging courses on the technical side were the ones in front-end design such as HTML and CSS. I had help along the way from faculty and classmates.
The most rewarding experience was in instructional design. I got to design and develop a learning experience from the ground up, applying everything we learned in the course.
How did you manage to balance your studies with work and family responsibilities?
Taking one course at a time. We tend to want immediate results from our invested efforts. The more courses you take, the earlier you will graduate. I had to learn that for someone in my position, with a full-time job and two children, I had to take one course at a time. In order to compensate, I enrolled in Harvard Summer School courses and January term courses every year.
Do you have a favorite class or faculty member? Why?
I have to say that every teacher that I had at Harvard Extension School had a genuine care for the students. Allyson Sherlock is extremely dynamic and positive. She is able to recognize the best part of everyone’s work and provide such thoughtful guidance.
Describe your Extension School experience in one word.
Constructive.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
