Kristin Rush started her journey with SDSU Online in the fall of 2025 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Child Development.
Her story reflects so many of our incredible students, as Rush currently works two jobs, is a dedicated mother, and serves as a caretaker for her mom, all while she works to pursue her degree.
She remains motivated while juggling many responsibilities that require countless hours to continue her education to be an inspiration for her son.
Now having completed her first year in her degree program, we kept up with her journey.
How would you describe your first year with SDSU Global Campus?
I would describe my year as exciting, and a whirlwind. I was so nervous at first, wondering if I could do this, but when I looked at my son, he was my motivation and reminder that I got this! This year was packed with information, and access, but interestingly enough, I would learn things in my classes that would be immediately applicable to my classroom and home life. For example, my son had questions and wanted “The Talk” about how life is conceived. Instead of panicking that my 10-year-old is asking these types of questions, I applied the knowledge and resources that my CFD 375 C provided, (Thank you Professor Dan Bacon!).
Is there anything you are planning on doing differently this next year?
Absolutely, utilizing planning apps, like Notability, and timers for reminders of taking breaks. I would just sit and focus for hours and sometimes have a tornado in my head of all the things that I needed to get done. So taking time beforehand to have it written down the most important goals for that day, and taking breaks in between, would help lessen the stress and drive better focus.
How will you apply what you learned in your first year to your upcoming studies?
Use it for continuing motivation and rely on the pacing or the classes. Once you get into the flow there’s a comfort that you understand how it works and there is no wild change, so you just buckle down and do the work, and find your state of flow, especially since these are 8 week courses. Also, transparent communication with the professors is so important. They are in your corner and want you to succeed. They can not help you with challenges if you don’t reach out to them prior. Do not wait until the last week, or the day of a test. If something is going on, let them know or seek their advice, they are a great support system as well.
How have you grown as a professional, student, and person so far in your academic journey?
As an Early Childhood Educator, it has completely changed how I relate to my students and engage them in the classroom. I have been able to add more impactful interactions as well as become a better advocate for my students that have inclusion needs. For my professional goal as a Professor, because I have received an outstanding education and seen what quality looks like it has served as additional inspiration for me to follow my dream, and to want to give back to future teachers the same support I have received.
