Veteran credits ASU Online, military-friendly atmosphere for success

“It was a boyhood desire of mine to serve in the armed forces based on my love of aviation and the military,” says ASU senior Christopher Guidry.

As a crew chief, Guidry was in charge of inspecting his assigned aircraft for any needed repairs after missions. He also supervised a team of specialists who worked to ensure each plane met expectations and standards for flight.

One day he was reassigned to a highly coveted position as an Honor Guardsman, a service member who provides funeral honors for fallen comrades. Guidry participated in more than 600 funerals for those who served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.  

In 2008 after his time with Air National Guard ended, Guidry decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree via an online university. After a year, he decided to transfer to ASU in pursuit of a degree from a school he felt had greater recognition and credibility.

“ASU Online has given me the opportunity to get a degree from a highly accredited university that has world renowned programs," Guidry said. "My diploma will say ASU and I’m proud of that. People will know I earned it and it isn’t commercial.”

The senior enjoys the flexibility online courses provide, as he is balancing his coursework with raising a family and a full-time job.  

“You have to have impeccable time management," he says. "I have a whiteboard that I make sure is constantly updated. I also check My ASU multiple times a day because not everything your professor posts will make it to your inbox. I schedule everything out from the syllabi and my daily life."

His hard work has paid off. Guidry is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies via ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences this December after just three and half years. To do so, he took on a rigorous course load of 15 to 18 credits a semester.  

Looking back, Guidry says the process has made him a stronger person, and credits his wife for her support and motivation during difficult times.

He will soon attend Northern Arizona University to begin working on a master’s degree; however, Guidry says he will always be a proud Sun Devil.

“The veteran-friendly atmosphere coupled with a very effective online program is something that I will cherish and appreciate forever. I’ve already joined the Alumni Association,” he said.