Jackson, MI – For Shelly Kachur of Clinton, Michigan, pursuing a college degree means finding a path that fits into her life while preparing her for the career she wants.
Kachur is working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in accounting. She chose to transfer to Baker College for the opportunity to complete her coursework fully online, on a schedule that works for her. That made Baker a natural fit.
The flexibility of online learning allows Kachur to pursue her education while managing other responsibilities. Just as important, she has found a support system that helps her stay on track. Her advisor helps prioritize courses so she can focus on the most important classes first, while Dr. Robyn Swinehart has been a go-to resource when questions arise about assignments.
“I absolutely love it!” Kachur said of her experience at Baker. “The staff is so nice and helpful; it’s just so welcoming.”
That combination of flexibility and personal support has helped Kachur connect her coursework to her career goals. For Kachur, balancing competing priorities also means recognizing that not everything can receive attention at the same time. She shared a quote by author Nora Roberts that reflects her approach: “The key to successful work-life balance is to not be afraid to fail at it. You will drop the ball on something; the trick is knowing which balls are made of rubber and which are made of glass.”
After graduation, Kachur hopes to begin her career in accounting, putting her education and newly developed skills to work. Her experience reflects how a flexible learning environment, approachable faculty, and individualized guidance can help students move toward their goals while making college work for their lives.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at Baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.
