By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
When choosing a potential career field, people look at many factors including personal interests, aptitude and ability, education, earning potential, professional growth and workplace environment.
For Ed Boler, the decision to choose a health services career was personal.
"I decided to pursue a degree in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders after experiencing the trauma of watching myself, my loved ones, and others go through difficult times," Boler said. "This fueled my ambition to make a difference and leave a positive mark in the world."
As he considered where to pursue his degree, Boler and his wife, Tanesha, researched options and ultimately decided that Rio Salado offered the best fit.
"I chose Rio Salado because of its flexible schedule, excellent reputation, and supportive community," Boler said. "The ability to balance my studies with my personal and professional life was crucial."
The flexibility of Rio's online classes meant that Boler could continue to work full-time while earning his degree.
"My wife and I are opening an assisted living facility called We Care Recovery," Boler said. "We are currently in the setup stage, which has allowed me to apply what I'm learning in my courses directly to the development of our business."
Boler, a native of Chicago, enrolled in classes in spring 2024 and quickly found that organization and communication are the keys to success for online learning.
"I manage my time by creating a schedule and prioritizing tasks, which allows me to stay on track with my studies," Boler said. "Staying connected with instructors and classmates through online forums or study groups can also provide support and keep you motivated."
To date, his favorite Rio Salado class has been Communication Skills in Treating Addiction.
"It was particularly inspiring because it challenged me to think critically and was directly applicable to my career," Boler said. "The lessons I learned in that class continue to influence my approach to both my studies and my work."
Boler plans to complete his degree in the fall of 2025.
"After graduation, I plan to advance my career in behavioral health and potentially pursue further studies in this field," he said. "My goal is to use my education to make a meaningful impact in my community."
That impact includes the assisted living facility Boler is opening with his wife in collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court.
The division oversees the administration of juvenile justice programs including delinquency prevention, treatment and probation.
"I chose to focus on a juvenile facility because I believe in the importance of providing support to young people during critical stages of their development," Boler said. "Helping juveniles navigate through difficult times and providing them with the resources they need to succeed is something I am passionate about."
Boler credits Rio Salado with providing the educational foundation that will help launch his new career path.
"My degree from Rio is providing me with the knowledge and skills I need to advance in my career," Boler said. "I would recommend Rio because the quality of the education and the support from instructors and staff make it a great choice for anyone looking to further their education."