UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Lauren Noland has found success as a Penn State World Campus student majoring in political science while simultaneously balancing a full-time job as a legislative research specialist for the Army and raising five children.

Originally from Chugiak, Alaska, Noland credits the interactive online courses and supportive faculty for helping her manage her busy schedule. When her husband was called for a permanent change of station by the Army, Noland — an Army veteran herself — facilitated their move to the Washington, D.C., area while continuing her studies.

“I know that these skills I have learned I couldn't have learned at any of the other universities I was looking at just because they weren't going to meet my needs,” Noland said. “Penn State has allowed me to go a lot further in my career than I ever thought possible.”

Noland’s career journey began as a legislative correspondent in the U.S. House of Representatives for the late Rep. Don Young. She said she is especially grateful to Young for giving her the opportunity to learn and grow in such a pivotal role.

Although she did not know much about legislation and policy before landing the position, Noland said, she quickly developed a passion for government service. It was then that she decided she wanted to continue her education and began searching for a bachelor’s program that met her needs.

After Young’s death, Noland transitioned to an interim role with Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. She remained in the job until being hired to serve on the staff of Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola, who currently represents all Alaskans in the House of Representatives.

While with Peltola, Noland worked as a legislative aide and office manager where she led the representative to co-sponsor legislation in her portfolio areas — education, women’s issues, civil rights, judiciary and cannabis — and worked on veterans' legislation that was introduced this session of congress. Noland spent late nights in session working on Capitol Hill, and those irregular hours eventually led her to World Campus and the flexibility it provides students.

Noland said her coursework in the College of the Liberal Arts has allowed her to understand more about the legislative process.

“It really opened up a lot of doors as far as me being able to contribute to my team,” she said.

Since Noland was living in Washington, D.C., but working for an Alaskan congresswoman, she frequently had to travel back and forth between the two locations. Fortunately, she said, the World Campus faculty was happy to accommodate her travel needs while still challenging her to do her best work.

“I found that it was great. I was able to improve, and then it reflected directly to my job. I was able to just do better,” Noland said.

The skills Noland developed through her coursework have given her a new and deeper understanding of the legislative process that she can implement into her career. On top of that, she said, it’s helped her grow into the person she is today.

Although Noland has only been in her position with the Army for a short period, she said she's excited to see what she will learn as time goes on. Some of her responsibilities include conducting research to assist in developing legislative strategies and preparing legislative summaries on key bills and liaising with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Department of Defense entities. She's proud to serve the Armed Forces again, this time as a civilian, she said.

Noland said she would encourage anyone thinking of returning to school to consider a World Campus degree. Once she completes her bachelor's degree in political science, Noland intends to pursue her graduate studies at Penn State.

“I have five kids and work full-time, and I'm doing it,” Noland said. “I think that if you want something, you should go for it — you can make it happen.”