A Passport to Education: Studying Online Across Borders

Pursuing a U.S. Degree from Mexico: Online Student’s Path of
Growth and Impact

For nearly twenty years, Yolanda Buendia Barrientos devoted herself to her career at a global industrial company in Mexico. As her job responsibilities grew, so did her skills in multicultural and international supply chain management and leadership. Despite an established career and successes in her field, Yolanda felt there was more she could do and wanted to grow more in her professional life. She embarked on the next phase of her journey by enrolling in the online learning program through the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Vols Online program.

Yolanda was no stranger to academic success; she already held a Master of Science degree. However, she knew that staying relevant in the fast-paced world of global innovation required continuous growth. She aimed to broaden her expertise, challenge her limits, and explore new areas of knowledge. Additionally, Yolanda wanted to make a positive impact beyond her academic and professional pursuits through her company’s volunteer program, which allows employees to dedicate work hours to community efforts focused on education, equal opportunity, and environmental sustainability.

The challenge was balancing her ambitions with her responsibilities. With a busy career and a life rooted in Mexico, pursuing further education felt like a significant hurdle—until she discovered Vols Online. This platform opened doors she believed were inaccessible from her home country.

Vols Online became Yolanda’s pathway to earning a U.S.-accredited degree without uprooting her life. Through this program, she enrolled in an MS in Supply Chain Management, which aligned perfectly with her personal and professional aspirations. For Yolanda, the flexibility of online learning was transformative. She could log on to class before heading to work, collaborate with peers from around the globe, and complete assignments at her own pace—all without compromising her commitments in Mexico.

The program didn’t just offer convenience; it provided quality. Vols Online granted her access to top-tier professors, cutting-edge resources, and a global network of professionals. Yolanda felt connected, even though she was thousands of miles away from her virtual classmates and instructors. She leaned on available support systems – virtual study groups became her allies, and professors offered guidance. Her professors’ mentoring, constructive feedback, and wisdom aided her development in critical areas like teamwork within global environments, time management, leadership, and communication. Whether participating in a live discussion forum or analyzing case studies from industries worldwide, she felt fully engaged in an enriching learning experience. She realized that growth is rarely a solo endeavor; it flourishes through the encouragement and collaboration of others.

Of course, Yolanda’s journey was anything but simple. There were nights when the weight of her professional deadlines, academic workload, and personal responsibilities became overwhelming. Balancing her roles as a learner, employee, and community mentor often required long hours and tremendous determination. Her vision kept her motivated. She reminded herself of her original purpose: to expand her skills, make a significant impact, and lead by example for future generations. In December 2024, Yolanda became the first student graduating from an online program who was selected as the featured speaker for UT’s Graduate Hooding ceremony.

For Yolanda, completing her degree wasn’t just about achieving professional success or fulfilling a personal goal but about sparking change. Her story is a testament to the limitless opportunities that online learning offers. Vols Online enabled her to pursue dreams she once believed were out of reach, all while remaining anchored in the life she cherished in Mexico.

“Being in an online program has been a great and challenging adventure. It has given me the opportunity to expand my global networking, which has truly been an amazing advantage of the program.”

– Yolanda Buendia Barrientos, MS-SCM graduate

Yolanda’s triumph inspires us to take a leap, trust in ourselves, and embrace the power of resilience and adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, her story reminds you that education knows no geographic boundaries but is powered by determination.