“If I Can Do It, So Can You”: How One Student Found His Path at UNC Charlotte Online
When Ethan Freeman was in sixth grade, a few of his teachers didn’t think he’d make it past high school. Now? He’s on the verge of earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from UNC Charlotte Online, and proving every doubter wrong.
“I always knew I could do it,” Ethan says. “Because my dad wouldn’t let me think otherwise.”
At 25, Ethan studies full-time from his home in Morganton, NC. Born with cerebral palsy, he uses both a manual and electric wheelchair, and doesn’t drive, making traditional, on-campus learning nearly impossible.
“For me to drive, it would cost a ridiculous amount of money that I just don’t have,” he said. “So I thought online would be easier.”
It was more than easier. It was empowering.
“Online learning gave me the power to pursue my education,” Ethan says. “To me, being a student gives me the chance to have a future.”
A Different Kind of Classroom
Ethan is wrapping up five classes this semester. One meets on Zoom. The rest are asynchronous, which means he can complete work on his own schedule.
“I prefer to study late at night,” he says. “I’m less likely to get interrupted. As long as I meet the due dates, I’m good.”
After taking a break during COVID, Ethan returned to school with more drive, and a solid support team. His dad and brother remain his biggest cheerleaders at home. And at UNC Charlotte, his academic advisor became a game changer who showed Ethan resources he didn’t even know he had.
One of those resources? Tutoring services through the library, which helped him get through Political Philosophies, one of his final and most challenging courses.
“I used tutoring for that class, and it really helped. I learned the different philosophies that nations have, like what type of democracy they are and why some work and others don’t.”
Connection Beyond the Screen
Ethan says he loves that professors are responsive and easy to reach when he has questions. And he doesn’t feel alone in his classes, thanks to discussion boards that keep conversations lively and help students see different perspectives.
“The discussions are interesting, and they keep things engaging,” he said.
History in the Making
After graduation, Ethan plans to pursue a teaching certificate and become a high school history teacher, inspired by his own middle school history teacher, Mr. Shaw, who made learning fun and sparked a lifelong passion.
“I like American history, mainly because I get to see where we messed up,” he said. “And what we could do better.”
Ethan wants to be that teacher who makes students feel seen, challenged, and capable because he knows what it’s like to be underestimated.
One Final Piece of Advice
For anyone on the fence about going back to school?
“You can do it. Just manage your time well and don’t overthink it,” Ethan says.
“I hope someone sees this and thinks, he’s disabled—if he can do it, I can too.”