Student Profiles

Gina Marie Lorentz

Hometown: Muskegon, MI
Military Affiliation: US Army
Location: Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, HI
Program: Gourmet Cooking and Catering

My husband Michael and I are stationed in Wahiawa, HI. Michael is in Military Intel for the Army and we live on Schofields Barracks Base. Currently, I work mostly from home selling jewelry, cooking supplies and candles.

We're both excited that I'm furthering my education. As I am 15 weeks pregnant, we feel that it's important to be able to both provide for ourselves and our future child. If anything were to happen to Michael, I know Emma will be able to rely on me. I also like lightening my husbands load so that the entire financial burden is shared and not just resting on those big soldier shoulders.

Distance learning gives me the advantage I need to get ahead in life and still enjoy the warm tropical Hawaiian climate. I'm going snorkeling in the ocean today just as soon as I finish two units! Also, I have time to work on my film and my small TV show (incidentally gourmet cooking is what my show is about)!

I can't say enough good about Ashworth. I like the pace of distance learning. I can go as fast as I feel comfortable going. I don't have to wait for those around me to catch up—being an over achiever has never been easy, so I don't have to worry about outshining other students. Also, I get the one on one help I need without feeling like a burden.

Being a military spouse, I know how important freedom is. Distance learning gives me a different kind of freedom: The freedom to live up to my full potential as a woman, wife, soon to be mother and a member of the career force. Thank you Ashworth!