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‘It’s Like a Dream School’: Bryan University Graduate Allie Doughty Shares Her Experience 

Emily Bradshaw

Published: | Last Updated:

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Allie Doughty, like a lot of our students, found Bryan University when she was at a crossroads in her life. She had explored other paths in higher education but hadn’t found the right fit; until she did.  

“From the very beginning, when somebody gave me that initial call. You can tell. I knew this was my school.”   

She said, even compared to her in-person higher education experiences, BU was more welcoming from the start and that made all the difference for her.  

“The way that they are so humbling and welcoming it’s just…it was so unreal. They had all the right answers for me and if they didn’t know the answer, then they said here, “I’ll connect you with this person, and they’ll have the answer,” she said. Just getting that reassurance that no matter what question I have, it’s going to be answered.” 

Finding Bryan University

She spent a month researching and contacting other schools before she called BU. She knew immediately it was the one for her.  

“Once I had that initial phone call, I knew this school was real. I just had that internal feeling, like, this is it. This is my school, I’m no longer searching, I’m going to tell all my family about it when they get home from work, and that’s just where I’m going to start.” 

And that’s exactly what she did. Allie had always been more creative-minded; she helped design the yearbook her senior year of high school, but after graduation, she wasn’t quite sure where to take that. She explored other fields, like dental assisting, but none of them fit. 

“Even with in-person schools, sometimes they don’t care. But Bryan University does.” 

She found BU and was immediately drawn to the graphic design stack, so much so that when she earned her associate degree, she was sad she didn’t have another class to take.  

“It’s like a dream school. I’m personally sad they don’t have more programs to add on, because like I said, I would do every single one until I couldn’t anymore.” 

Worries About Learning Online

She wasn’t very worried when it came to a full online program, but it did take some time to adjust. In the beginning, she printed everything to stay on track, but eventually she found her rhythm and settled into a weekly routine.  

“At the beginning, it was kind of challenging, because it was a new atmosphere for me. I never had full online studies. I was one of those people that printed out everything. Then I got into my really good routine and just kept doing it every single week. It just flowed into place,” she said. “I would do something on Monday and Tuesday, do my main assignment on Wednesday, and then Thursday, Friday, I would kind of wrap it up, and then I would still take the weekend off.” 

Even after starting her program, she had a moment of doubt; was this legit? Were these really other students she was talking to? 

“With everything being online, you’re like, wait, are these people, like, fake? Am I talking to a robot? But no, they were actual people going through the same stuff I was going through, having the same questions, and we all just worked through it together.” 

She was surprised to find real connections in a fully online program, especially compared to the in-person programs she’d tried, where she felt anything but welcome.  

“It’s kind of even more touching when you begin your studies with the same two people, and then you finish it with the same two people. You know that you’ve worked together, you’ve met on live together, and it was just like… you can cut up and have fun but also get done what you needed to.” 

From Student to Tutor

She was so energized by her experience that when she was approached about becoming a tutor, she couldn’t say no. Especially as someone who loves to help others.  

“When I was offered the position, I was just so overwhelmed with excitement and all these good emotions, because it’s like, if I can help somebody in the same program that I’m taking, I’m going to do it,” she said.  

Being recognized for her hard work was a milestone in itself.  

“It was like oh my goodness I am actually doing so good that they even recognized it.” 

That kind of support isn’t accidental; it’s how BU is built. We’re with you every step of the way.  

“BU does not leave you in the dark. It’s like an assembly line, if you think about it. You go through admissions, and then you talk to financial aid, and then you get assigned a coach, and then a career coach. Someone is always checking in on you, no matter what stage you are in your program. There’s never silence on the end from Bryan University.” 

The Bittersweet Ending

Putting the hard work in and seeing it pay off was incredible, Allie said.  

“When you complete that design, and it all comes together, it’s like, wow, all your hard work really paid off.” 

Even during slower weeks or the grind of a big project, she said her experience felt rewarding. 

“Bryan University makes it enjoyable. They also make it so you are staying on top of your stuff, and you do feel like you have learned something. Some weeks might be slower than others, but even in those slower weeks, you still feel accomplished.” 

Submitting her final assignment, a moment many people described as a relief, was hard for Allie. She felt proud, accomplished, and sad all at once.  

“I was so sad. I wanted to cry. I was just like, it’s really over.” 

Her Next Step

Now a BU alum, Allie is exploring freelance work and actively applying for jobs. Navigating the job market is challenging, but she’s excited about what might come next. She aspires to work as a senior graphic designer and one day start her own business.  

In the meantime, she’s actively designing and building her skills.  

Considering BU but not quite ready to take the leap? Her advice is short, simple, and from the heart.  

“If you’re unsure about joining the BU family, just go for it — you won’t regret it. It’s such a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere to be a part of. I always say, you might not see it now, but later on you’ll understand and truly appreciate the choice you made.”  

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