Lise Downing was so distraught by the plight of Hurricane Katrina victims – and how the emergency was managed – that she wanted to be part of the solution. But, how and where to start? Downing, who has a bachelor’s degree in communication, was working as a legal assistant for a Virginia county attorney’s office. She knew she needed expert advice to transition to a new career. Downing’s first step was to visit a career counselor available to military family members at Langley Air Force Base. Her husband, an Air Force Major in security forces, was serving there. She quickly found that American Military University (AMU) was among the few to offer an emergency management degree. Its faculty, distance learning format, student-friendly registration process and monthly class-starts further convinced Downing that AMU was the best school for her. "For the first time in years, I feel intellectually stimulated," says Downing. "AMU has allowed me to pursue a dream career in a field for which I have great passion," she says. Although she lacks first-hand field experience, she doesn’t feel intimidated, thanks to the online classroom. "Each student has the opportunity to learn and contribute in a way that fits their style," she says. Downing also has the motivation and organization skills necessary to succeed. She has held management and other positions in the financial, human resources and public relations sectors. Downing recently met several of her professors and some of the nation’s leading emergency management experts at AMU’s "Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect" conference held in early 2007. She was impressed by the "brainpower" addressing the complex issues of homeland security. "I gained an understanding of the complexity of the task and left the symposium with many contacts that can help me be part of that tremendous effort," she says. Downing’s future includes a move to Germany with her husband – and she’ll take AMU with her. She hopes to graduate in 2008. She and her husband may then pursue their careers in Africa. "We’re both drawn to the complex humanitarian issues afflicting countries on that continent," she says. Downing will have the skills and knowledge necessary to assess critical needs and advocate change. "With help from AMU, I’m discovering my natural talents and developing them to their full potential," she says. | 
