ASU Online grad finds balance with Starbucks College Achievement Plan
Lynae Carlin, a graduating student in ASU's Starbucks College Achievement Plan, pictured in Portland, Oregon. Courtesy photo
Lynae Carlin is living proof that if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
The Arizona native explored several career paths in search of the perfect fit, dabbling in medical assisting before pursuing a business analytics degree and taking on leadership roles at Starbucks.
But it wasn’t until a surgery left them bedridden for nearly two months that they had the time to truly reflect on what truly brought them joy: business communication.
Carlin, who uses they/them pronouns, enrolled at ASU through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a first-of-its-kind partnership with ASU that creates an opportunity for all eligible U.S. partners (employees) to earn their first-time bachelor’s degree through ASU’s top-ranked online degree program, ASU Online.
“It was such a relief knowing that I could take classes at my own pace and have wiggle room in my grades,” they said. “The transition from on-campus enrollment to fully online was seamless, and the flexibility of online classes allowed me to take advantage of more opportunities while still working at Starbucks.”
From Arizona to Oregon and from Starbucks partner to assistant store manager, Carlin was able to pursue their academic and professional journey in tandem by taking classes online at their own pace.
“The most enjoyable class I took on campus was Introduction to Human Communication,” they said. “It always felt like a happy escape from the rest of my course load. Business communication is a perfect blend of core business competencies and the communication studies I love — and it meant that most of the classes I had taken for my previous major in business analytics would not go to waste.”
Carlin graduates this December with a degree in business (communication) and is already taking their passion for communication studies further through ASU’s accelerated master’s program. The program makes earning a master’s degree more attainable and sets Carlin up for greater opportunities in the future.
We spoke with the new graduate about their experience with ASU Online and their advice for other students still searching for their perfect fit.
Note: Answers may have been edited lightly for length and/or clarity.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU Online — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: This may sound cheesy, but I cannot believe how much my education has opened my eyes. The critical thinking, the empathy, the ability to look at things as part of a broader system, all these things and more, I owe to my education. Growing up, I had always heard that "college isn't all it's cracked up to be," and "college isn't for everyone," and the like. I saw a degree as a piece of paper, some specialized knowledge, and nothing more. I'm amazed at how much I've grown as a person by pursuing my bachelor’s.
Q: Why did you choose ASU Online?
A: I chose ASU Online because of the opportunities, the flexibility, the Starbucks partnership and the quality of the programs. I love being No. 1 in innovation; I get to joke about it with friends and co-workers all the time.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU Online?
A: Lori Bednarchik was my professor for Research Methods in Communication, the first graduate class I took as part of the accelerated master’s program. I found her class to be very challenging, but even more, engaging and rewarding. She taught me how to refine my work following feedback and how to conduct graduate-level research. In her class, I began viewing my work as part of the broader academic environment instead of an individual assignment. She fueled my passion for communication studies and education in general.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: To those still in school, I urge you to embrace change — big and small. From your major to your hobbies to your location and daily routine: Variety is the spice of life, and variety is impossible without change. You don't need to stop living life while you're in school.
Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?
A: A year or so ago, I finally bought myself a desk and office chair. My setup includes lots of pink, lots of inspirational quotes, and all the knickknacks I adore. I've come to love studying in the peace and quiet of my home.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'll be continuing graduate school in January. Because of the accelerated master’s program, finishing my communication MA will only take one more year. I plan on staying with Starbucks for the foreseeable future, eventually making my way into communications or learning and development. Grad school will only be one class at a time, so I'm hoping I'll have the capacity to volunteer more regularly, spend time with family, and enjoy all the simple pleasures life has to offer.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would use the $40 million to help secure women's bodily autonomy and education across the world. We face enough barriers socially and economically — the least we can do is remove legal barriers to safety, opportunity and happiness.
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