Exploring Insights Gleaned From Living Abroad
In the heart of bustling Tokyo, Japan, Samantha Nelson, a U.S. military spouse, is making a name for herself in the world of Graphic Design. Living far from home, Samantha found the perfect solution to continue her education - online learning.
Samantha is currently studying at Sessions AOS in Graphic Design, an institution offering Associate Degree and BFA programs in Graphic Design. The online program has provided Samantha with the flexibility to work on coursework at her own pace, which has been crucial given the unique challenges of her mobile lifestyle.
One of Samantha's favourite projects was creating three olive oil products for the fictitious company Olivio in Graphic Design class. She had the freedom to create everything for the project, including the logo, flavours, bottles, labels, and a booklet cover. Samantha's work on Olivio showcases her versatility and creativity, skills she honed through classes such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Typography, and Graphic Design I.
Samantha's inspiration comes from various sources, including Erik Johansson, a Swedish photographer and visual artist known for his surreal works created from combined photographs. The traditional Japanese Sumi-e painting style also captivates her, finding its beauty and peacefulness a source of inspiration.
Living in a country with a rich and beautiful culture like Japan, Samantha and her husband try to explore as much as they can. Samantha's love for photography has allowed her to capture the essence of Japan's landscapes and people, adding to her growing portfolio.
Online education has proven to be a great option, especially during the current pandemic, and communication with professors is essential. Samantha's work can be found on Behance, a platform where she showcases her impressive projects.
The accessibility of online education for military spouses is a significant factor. Programs like the Department of Defense’s MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) fund tuition fully for eligible military spouses, removing financial barriers. Additionally, veterans’ benefits such as the GI Bill and other scholarships may be available, potentially covering tuition and related expenses for online education, including tech fields often aligned with Graphic Design studies.
The flexible scheduling, accreditation, supportive communities, and tailored resources available in online programs make them an ideal choice for military spouses. These programs offer curricula designed for remote delivery, including software training, portfolio development, and project-based learning, all adaptable to their schedules and locations.
Thus, online education combines flexibility, financial support, and quality training to make degree programs - such as those in Graphic Design - accessible and practical for military spouses pursuing academic and career advancement.
Samantha's online education in Graphic Design at Sessions AOS not only aids her in balancing her studies with her mobile lifestyle, but also allows her to explore various technology-based tools like Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Typography, which are essential in the lifestyle and design industry. Additionally, online education platforms like Behance serve as a means to showcase her work in education-and-self-development, enabling her to secure opportunities in the competitive arena of Graphic Design.
