Georgia Southern senior defies convention, navigates online classes to cross the finish line in just two years

December 19, 2023

Rebekah Dyar is graduating from Georgia Southern University without ever taking on-campus classes. On Dec. 14, she will receive a bachelor’s degree in world languages focusing on French, after just two years of online classes. In high school, Dyar earned college credits through the International Baccalaureate program, setting the stage for her unconventional yet successful college career.

“My sister went to Georgia Southern, and she loved the school, so I decided to follow in her footsteps,” the Douglasville, Georgia, resident said. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dyar opted for online classes. 

“With COVID still going on, I wasn’t ready to move four hours away,” Dyar explained. “However, as I delved into my coursework, I found I really liked online classes and they suited me well. Ultimately, I decided to continue online and save money.”

The college credits she earned in high school allowed her to enroll in college as a sophomore. Dyar, who is graduating this December with a 4.0 GPA, missed being around other students but feels she had more freedom with distance learning. Still, balancing work and school proved challenging, especially with the demands of online learning and tight deadlines. She also discovered her tendency to procrastinate, but added, “I think if you apply yourself, you can learn just as well, if not better, than in an actual classroom.”

The College of Arts and Humanities student is the second youngest among three biological siblings and one foster sibling. She said her mother, a nursing instructor with a doctorate, and her father, who works on the design side of construction, were not helicopter parents.

“They made sure I did everything I needed to do, and they did help me if I needed help, but for the most part, I would do my homework by myself and get it done,” Dyar reflected. “They might look over it, but they weren’t ever pushy about it. They just encouraged me to do the best that I could and just continue studying, continue working.”

The upcoming graduate did not struggle with her online classes but said the virtual classrooms made personal connections with professors more challenging. She expressed gratitude for the support she received in the Department of World Languages & Cultures, citing Professors Olga Amarie, Ph.D., and Martha Hughes, Ph.D., as influential figures who made significant impacts on her academic trajectory.

“I enjoyed learning and exploring different subjects,” Dyar said. “I had amazing teachers, especially in the French and comparative literature classes. My education experience has been amazing.”

Amarie has taught at Georgia Southern since 2011, and she is very proud of her former student. “Rebekah excelled in her classes, regardless of the course modality; a commendable approach to college education,” she stated.

Involvement in a study abroad program further enriched Dyar’s academic journey. The monthlong immersion in France, living with a French family, not only improved her language skills but also provided a unique cultural perspective. 

“This experience significantly improved her communication, travel and team-building skills, offering invaluable experiences that enhanced her career prospects,” Amarie noted. “Each morning at the Alliance Française in Bordeaux, Rebekah shared, in French, anecdotes about her previous day, encompassing both in-class and extracurricular activities. Her adventures included visits to the Dune du Pyla, Arcachon, Saint-Emilion, the Tour de France, the game of pétanque and numerous museums in Bordeaux and Paris.”

Dyar said, “The study abroad program changed my life and my goals for the future in the best way possible. I am now more motivated than before. I had never lived away from my parents before, so it was a little weird at first, but I enjoyed it. A study abroad is a terrific opportunity not only to learn the other language, but also to learn the culture, and I made some amazing friends.”

Inspired by the experience, the world language major wants to go back to teach English. For her, it’s a way of giving back.

“I love learning about new languages and cultures, and I want to help others gain the same interest,” she remarked. “I applied for the Teaching Assistant Program in France and will hear back in April 2024. I am ready to explore the professional world and find my career path, but it is scary to not be in school anymore.”

Dyar also is looking forward to traveling and has plans to pursue a master’s degree. As she prepares to receive her diploma, she said graduation represents a “little congratulations for myself and a nice little break.”

She has no regrets about her decision to attend Georgia Southern saying, “I learned a lot about myself and my studies. I would highly recommend Georgia Southern to anyone else.”