Southwestern College Santa Fe, NM
Over winter break, I had a moment to pause and reflect on my journey as an online master’s student at Southwestern College (SWC) while talking to my family about how things have been going. Sharing that I’m thriving in my program and feeling proud of my accomplishments was a validating moment. Pursuing a degree in Art Therapy and Counseling has been a dream, especially considering that no colleges in Texas even offer art therapy as a field of study. It feels so fulfilling to follow my passion while balancing life as a working mom.
This year, my husband, sister-in-law, and I all found ourselves in graduate programs. During our holiday gathering, we compared experiences, and the stark differences between our paths left me even more grateful for the transformational nature of my program. My husband is enrolled in an online graduate program at a traditional university, taking just one class per semester. While the slower and self-paced format provides flexibility, the asynchrony has been a constant challenge. Hours upon hours of recorded lectures, frequent quizzes, and numerous exams make the experience isolating and overwhelming. Some of his classes are manageable, but the harder ones leave him stressed and unsupported. The process has felt draining rather than rewarding without live interaction or personal guidance.
My sister-in-law, on the other hand, is enrolled in a traditional, in-person program at an accelerated pace, taking three to four classes per semester. She works part-time, doesn’t have kids, yet still manages her own household and finances. Most of her classes require her to commute 40 minutes each way, and the workload has been relentless—essay after essay, busy work, and tight deadlines that leave her constantly stretched thin. The stress of balancing everything has taken a toll, and her experience has been far from enjoyable. As they shared their frustrations, I reflected on how different my journey has been at SWC.
Southwestern College’s approach to education is unique, and it’s been a perfect fit for me. The online format provides the flexibility I need to juggle work, family, and my studies, while the live Zoom classes bring accountability and personal connection. It’s a balance that keeps me engaged and motivated without feeling isolated. What stands out the most is how discussion-based the classes are. Unlike programs overloaded with endless assignments, quizzes, and busy work, SWC allows me the space to read, reflect, and truly digest the material. Engaging in meaningful conversations with peers and faculty helps me solidify concepts in a way that feels natural and impactful.
Beyond the academic structure, the personal aspect of the classes allows you to relate what you are learning to real-life scenarios and connect them to personal experiences. This helps cement the theories and approaches to your neural pathways while also allowing for healing, growth, and a self-knowing which is a therapeutic experience in itself. You are not just paying for an education, you are paying for the ability to heal. As someone who has always been drawn to self-help and holistic health, I find it refreshing and resonating to be in a program that values personal development as a form of professional training.
When it was my turn to talk about my grad school experience during Christmas dinner, I kept it simple: “I love it! I got a 4.0.” Being a student at SWC has shown me that education can be more than just rigorous—it can also be deeply healing. And for that, I am grateful
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