Online education is the driving force behind cheap and accessible learning for all walks of life. A stunning example of the flexibility of this popular form of learning is Cheryl J. Wachenheim, a university Professor from North Dakota State. Although she was deployed to Iraq in 2008, this brave and selfless woman continued teaching classes online from her base in Iraq. No matter the difficult situation she was in, this teacher displayed her dedication and trust in online education and to the students that decided to engage in this modern tool for learning.

Ms. Wachenheim was a captain of the Minnesota Army National Guard and then deployed to Iraq in August 2008. Normally this is a completely life changing experience for most people. Wachenheim was not going to let this get in the way of her passion for teaching. With laptop on her side, she taught micro and macro economics classes in an area nicknamed Mortaritaville because of the fire that comes into that zone. She taught one to two classes a semester from the summer of 2008 to the spring of 2009. All in all about 75 students were given a chance to learn about economics fundamentals because of this thrilling education medium and because of Wachenheim’s unwavering dedication to teaching.

The logistics of the project were taken care of by the troops. A satellite was installed in the sand near the base that routed into the trailers where she taught from. Wachenheim stated that it wasn’t always easy. There were often “emergency alarms that sent everyone on the base ducking for cover and occasional mortar explosions nearby.” Duststorms sometimes conked out the satellite and actual military emergencies were known to require a shut down of nonessential internet. These were some of the hiccups during this amazing process, but the system kept breathing.

Wachenheim said, “Combat sounds really fascinating in movies. It’s really not. What became most interesting to me was hearing from my students, whether it was about why their [problem-set] curve shifted one way or about someone’s sister getting married.” This was her dedication to her students. This was her students dedication to learning. This inspirational story displays how hardship can be defeated with the use of some ambition and patience. Have you wanted to take an online course but made excuse after excuse as to why you can’t do it? Well take it from Officer Cherly J. Wachenheim – you can do anything you put and keep your mind to. Check out an online program available to you today.