Online program gives single dad shot at college, brighter future

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Travis Weaver, 27, earned his bachelor's degree online from Daytona State College, while raising a 6-year-old son. Next stop: master's.

BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER

When 27-year-old Travis Weaver was laid off from his job as a salesman, he was ready to take any job that came along.

Being a single dad and raising his 6-year-old son, Tristan, made a 40-hour workweek necessary. But with the support of his parents, he was able to finish his education at Daytona State College. However, full time seemed out of the question.

“I wouldn’t have been able to go back full time to campus,” Weaver said. “I just don’t have that luxury. Technology has made it everything. I wouldn’t have graduated otherwise.”

In December, Weaver graduated from DSC’s online bachelor program in business management. And though he didn’t have to drive to campus, spending 9-10 hours online proved to be a difficult task.

“It took away from our gaming sessions,” Weaver said with a slight smile toward his son. “He really didn’t like me working all the time. But I want to have a nice life for us.”

The next step for Weaver is getting his master’s degree, which he plans to earn online, as well.

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Daytona State College No. 7 for its online bachelor programs.

“I didn’t really know how great of a program it was,” Weaver said. “I always enjoyed the online program, but it just takes a different type of individual. You really have to be diligent and make yourself sit down and do it because you have so many distractions when you are at home. “

Before starting his master program at Washington University in the summer, Weaver hopes to present his senior project to the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce. His project team has come up with a marketing plan for the chamber.

And though Weaver plans to use his education to get into the field of international business, his son knows what his real dream job is

“Dad wants to work at Game Stop," he said.

And with the Weaver boys, who knows. Anything is possible.