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Dollviola Eldred
B.A. Liberal Studies, 2007
Current student, M.A. Psychology, Mental Health Counseling
 Before she came to Antioch, Dollviola Eldred says, she felt incomplete working in a field she loved as a want-to-be counselor at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities.
"I wanted to move up but was afraid to because I knew I did not have the education I needed to succeed. I also did not think I could afford to go to college, plus I thought my age would be a factor. I had two daughters in college and a granddaughter who would be in college soon, so who was I, thinking I could get an education?" she recalls.
Still, she says the only thing she needed to succeed was a good education. "That's where Antioch came in," she adds.
"My Antioch education has shown me what I can become."
"I wanted to learn in an environment that was culturally aware but also artistically based. I knew Antioch would help me grow intellectually and artistically. I could expand my views in a safe environment," Eldred says.
At age 53, she started at Antioch. "You can be yourself here," she notes. "The staff, faculty and fellow students are all there for you. The knowledge you gain goes far beyond the books. This is not a learn-for-a-moment University, the lessons you learn here will last a lifetime."
She turned to Antioch's Financial Aid Office when it came to affording the education she wanted. "The financial aid office staff helps you every step of the way," she says. "You are not left alone to figure out what financial aid you need, the staff becomes your partner. The staff is very knowledgeable when it comes to ways of financing your education."
In Eldred's mind, the cost is balanced by what you get out of your education. "My Antioch education has shown me what I can become. I have moved up in my professional career and will continue to climb, thanks to Antioch. I started out at Antioch just going for my B.A. About half way through the B.A. program, I decided I wanted more and now I am in the psychology master's degree program."
She is also now a case manager for Downtown Seattle Emergency Services, an indicator that her career continues to involve greater responsibilities.
When she reflects on her Antioch experience, she can point to numerous fulfilling events. About gaining credit for life experience (prior learning) in the B.A. program, she says, "My prior learning credits were a lot of work, but I am happy I did it. I did not realize how much I had done or how much more I wanted to do."
About independent study, she remarks, "The independent study project I did gave me the opportunity to express myself on paper in ways I have not done before and get credit for it."
Of all her experiences at Antioch, one stands out above all others, though. "The experience that surprised me the most was finding out I can step outside of my safety zone and be all right. My Antioch family was there to support me and cheer me on," she notes.
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