Longtime Red Cross volunteer earns degree with help of Starbucks College Achievement Plan

April 30, 2021

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.

The goal to finish college seemed less attainable every year Monty Burich waited to go back. Whether it was family, work or life, something always kept him from finishing his degree. Then, while working at Starbucks, he learned about the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and the company’s partnership with Arizona State University and his hope was renewed. “How many times do you get a second chance like this?” Starbucks partner and 2021 Graduate Monty Burich ASU Online student and Starbucks partner Monty Burich. Download Full Image

As a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross, Burich has alway had a passion for helping people. This led him to ASU’s online public service and public policy degree program with a focus on homeland security. This particular field will go hand-in-hand with his volunteer work as he helps provide guidance on preparedness and recovery.

“We know the world is changing, we have to be ready to deal with it when it does. Good emergency managers are part of the way that we're going to do that,” he said.

While completing his degree, Burich utilized a variety of ASU Online resources, especially the 24-hour tutoring.

“When I’d be up late trying to work through a problem, it was really helpful to be able to put a problem up on a virtual board and work through it with someone. It’s an amazing feature.”

He also regularly talked with his success coach when he needed someone to cheer him on. While at work, his Starbucks manager would help with his schedule if he needed to study or work on a project. If Burich was called away to serve for the Red Cross, his professors would fully support his trips.

“The American Red Cross responds to home fires every 16–20 hours, so when I was on duty, flexibility was critical to balancing the needs of family, school, work and most of all, the community,” Burich said.

When not working full time, volunteering for the American Red Cross or concentrating on his studies, Burich loves spending time with his wife and cooking for his family. Living in the Pacific Northwest, he loves to get out in nature. He makes an annual family hiking trip to Mount St. Helens and tries to visit the other beautiful mountain ranges. In addition to hiking, Burich visits a variety of local eateries and enjoys traveling the world through different flavor profiles.

Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: I think the fact that online schooling is doable was an eye opening experience for me because coming from traditional schooling where you're in the classroom, online in my mind was a little treacherous. What would it be like interacting with other classmates and the professors? It was the unknown that was challenging. But once I got into it and started to see how things progressed and the amount of support you have available, it was better for me.

The amount of support that we have through tutoring, through discussions with professors or reaching out to one of your classmates, it ended up easier than if I did classes in a traditional school setting. Coming out of high school and doing this would have been very, very difficult. But after being out of school for 20-plus years, I had a chance to develop some of that discipline and I think that's what made it possible. Coming out of high school and jumping in right away without a chance to hone those skills, well I don't think it would have worked quite the same way.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professor George A. Pettit when I was in his course about pandemics. It was amazing to study a topic that was unfolding in front of our eyes in real time. So, even though we had a curriculum written and we had things we were expected to learn, that class was very much taught as it was happening around us. Since the professor was a former city manager, he had some great experiences to share with us. We had real-time connections with city managers and emergency personnel, fire chiefs and police chiefs. Being able to have those open discussions were really informative. It definitely renewed my focus and energy in emergency management. Professor Pettit showed us the real world effects of the pandemic and interpreted it in a way that we could learn from. Overall, he was really inspiring and truly renewed all my focus on why a future in emergency management was the place to be.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: For an existing student who's maybe halfway through or just starting out and maybe it seems a little bit daunting, don't keep it a secret. Ask for help, reach out to your classmates, have those challenging conversations with your classmates, break the ice, don't feel like you're alone. There's so many options out there for you to reach out for some support or help. And don't forget about your family! They may be quiet sometimes but just know that they're supporting you behind the scenes and sometimes just talking about it makes all the difference.

Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?

A: I usually sit in the kitchen right next to the window so that I have a chance to peer out and look into the trees and watch the birds flying around. It takes my mind away for a few minutes when I'm deep thinking about a particular topic. It just seems to be the best place for me. I've tried going to a Starbucks store and sitting down but there's too many distractions. Sitting at home here in my kitchen while my wife works around the house, plays her piano, while the animals are relaxing outside, like our four pet tortoises, is so relaxing.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: The plan right now is to continue to focus on where I'm at with Starbucks. My ultimate goal is to join FEMA at some point down the road. I’m keeping my options open as there seems to be jobs in my field popping up regularly and nature continues to show us how unprepared we really are.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a Sun Devil?

A: My mom and her boyfriend live in Tucson, Arizona. When I go down to visit them, I actually get to stop in Tempe and see the school and get to see where I graduated from. Plus, you can't ask for a cooler mascot than a Sun Devil, right? Being able to visit and see the campus, which is such a beautiful place to behold, is very exciting. To be able to also show my kids that I did it and they can too is wonderful.

Q: Tell us about your best Sun Devil moment or experience.

A: Meeting the alumni where I live in Seattle. It’s rewarding to meet some of the people that have graduated and to hear their experiences. It felt like being back in high school. Again with all your old buddies.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: We need to work on our growing homeless population. It’s daunting to see how much it has increased. Resources need to be available for homeless families. Investing the money into getting affordable housing established and starting to brainstorm temporary solutions for people making transitions for one part of their life to the next is vital. There are some amazing people in these communities that just need a leg up to get back on their feet.

Written by Tuesday Mahrle, earned media specialist for EdPlus at Arizona State University.

Michigan mom, ASU Online student, finds passion in bones, stones and human evolution

ASU Online student and 2021 Graduate Christina Schroth

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.Born and raised in Michigan, Christina Schroth was always intrigued by the archaeological sites of the state's parks and lakes. While acquiring her associate degree at a local college, she took her first anthropology course and fell in love all over again. After receiving an accommodation from her teacher ...

Read the article

Michigan mom, ASU Online student, finds passion in bones, stones and human evolution

April 30, 2021

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.

Born and raised in Michigan, Christina Schroth was always intrigued by the archaeological sites of the state's parks and lakes. While acquiring her associate degree at a local college, she took her first anthropology course and fell in love all over again. After receiving an accommodation from her teacher in the field, she thought, “You know what, if I'm going to do a bachelor's, I'm going to do it in anthropology because that's where I belong. It's where things make sense. It's where I feel I fit, where I can contribute to whatever it is I want to contribute to in the world." ASU Online student and 2021 graduate Christina Schroth. Download Full Image

With family peppered throughout Arizona, Arizona State University was always on Schroth’s radar. After researching a variety of schools, she ultimately decided on ASU Online because of the university partnerships and the ability to find local internships at schools near her home in Sterling Heights.

Schroth found success in her online classes via virtual tutoring and Sun Devils Connect, a Facebook group to connect online students worldwide. Having a 24-hour tutor available was a game changer. “Math is not my thing and having what felt like a face-to-face tutoring session was amazing.” In regard to Sun Devils Connect, “It’s a constant flow of information. If you’re having problems, someone will help. When the power went out in California, students checked in on each other. When COVID hit, it was a huge support system and everyone was great.”

Schroth has always felt like a Sun Devil, even as a fully online student. “It’s a big community. While we don’t take on-campus classes, the on-campus students can take classes with us. It’s nice when they are in my classes, it feels like we’re all the same. It’s a big Sun Devil community from all walks of life, different communities, cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders. That’s what I want. I don’t want to be around people who look and think the way I do.”

The Schroth family will continue to be Sun Devils for generations to come. “My daughter has told me she wants to work for Starbucks so she can go to ASU too.” Schroth is graduating from ASU with her Bachelor of Arts in anthropology.

Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: The biggest thing was the video work. Whether working on group projects or virtual tutoring, you could log on and be virtually face-to-face with someone. You’re never on your own with classes when virtual office hours are available. These interactions were vital when I took German and math; virtual tutoring was so important for those classes. I’ve never experienced that kind of educational component. One of my classes even had roundtable discussions virtually. We communicated, bonded and were able to better understand the material while the teacher was there to answer questions.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Several! My math teacher Beth Schlenker. Without even trying, just by being herself, she helped me so much with my math. She was always open and available to help the entire class. Also, several of my anthropology professors: Oana Almasan and Thomas Morgan. If any student is looking to take Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution, you must take it with Morgan. He provides an online textbook with chapter quizzes, he adds music to his lectures, and I always talked to him when I emailed, not an aide or TA. Going through the pandemic this year, all of my professors across the board were supportive. If I needed extra help or time because my kids were now learning from home, teachers completely understood. I’ve had fellow students who live in England or Afghanistan and students dealing with a flood or being stranded and faculty and staff were always amazing.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Balance your credits out. For example, if you want to take three or more classes, make sure you take three in Session A and then for Session B, you only take two so you don't overwhelm yourself. Make sure to do that on and off so you don't overwhelm yourself because I have taken three back-to-back classes and it was hard. If you are able to do that, then it really does help alleviate some of the stress. Balance your reading and writing heavy classes with ones that aren’t. Also, make sure you plan your schedule. You don’t necessarily have to have start and end times but it works for me. Break up your day and plan it out. I will work on classes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., have lunch and then spend time with my kids in the afternoon. I also have a planner. I love to cross off homework I’ve completed. A planner is a huge benefit and it really helps. If you have the means, think about getting an iPad and Apple Pencil. Some of your reading will be Adobe documents and you can highlight right on the iPad. You also save paper and money by not printing everything.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: Because of COVID, I still need field experience. My plan after graduation is to find an entry-level job or internship position within my field. A museum would be great and we have two that are close, including the Detroit Institute of the Arts. Sadly, I was set to visit the English catacombs while learning bioarchaeology but the trip was planning right when COVID began. I hope I can still go in the future.

Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?

A: My husband brought my desk into the front room of my house. If I need to get something done and the kids are home, I lock myself in that room. If Mom has an open door, the kids will come to me wanting to talk or tell me fun facts. The desk and the space helped me feel like I was back in the classroom. We have a routine now, they are both great until about lunch time.

Q: Tell us about your best Sun Devil moment or experience.

A: It’s when I applied for my program. You don’t know if you’ll get in and you keep checking and checking and waiting. Then you see it, the “Congratulations.” All I could think was, “Oh my gosh, it’s happening. I’m a Sun Devil.” The next best moment was when I received my ID card. The gold card, my picture, my name, it’s a life affirming $20. I don’t see a lot of maroon and gold in Michigan so it was beautiful to see. I also keep Sparky dolls throughout the house.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I feel strong about race inclusion. It’s my anthropology mind. Homosapiens are homosapiens. I try to be aware of racism and how it presents by trying to remember that those of color, and anyone for that matter, is more than just a color. Africa is a big country, and so are the many islands around it with all different cultures and civilizations and ways of life. South and North America, Europe, and Asia, etc., are all full of amazing cultural heritage and are all equally as important. As a society we need acceptance of the idea that "it's ok to be different" and to find the human connections within each culture is not as hard as working against it.

Written by Tuesday Mahrle, earned media specialist for EdPlus at Arizona State University