From ELAC to ASU Online: How Katti Fernandez Found Purpose in Counseling and Psychology

When Katti Fernandez’s husband decided to return to school during the pandemic, it sparked something in her.

“He encouraged me to look into completing my education and finish at East Los Angeles College,” she said. “Once I did that, I started looking into ASU since I could obtain a degree with online classes.”

That decision would set Katti on a path toward earning her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science through ASU Online, after transferring from East Los Angeles College (ELAC).

Discovering Her Academic Path

Though she always had an interest in psychology, it wasn’t until exploring ASU’s academic offerings that Katti found the right fit.

“I always knew I wanted to do something with psychology, but when I saw ASU had a counseling and psychology degree, I knew that was what I wanted to pursue,” she said.

The flexibility of ASU Online made it possible for her to balance life’s many responsibilities while completing her degree. That accessibility became a cornerstone of her success.

A Seamless Transition with MyPath2ASU®

Katti credits the MyPath2ASU® transfer planning tool with making her transition from community college to university as smooth as possible.

“Working with an advisor every step of the way made something unknown so simple,” she said.

From personalized course maps to clear transfer pathways, MyPath2ASU gave Katti the structure and support she needed to stay focused and confident.

The ASU Experience — Online, but Connected

Even as an online student, Katti found strong connections with her instructors and a learning environment that pushed her to grow.

She particularly appreciated ASU’s built-in support systems, including notifications and reminders that kept her on track, as well as the thoughtful course design and understanding professors who supported her journey every step of the way.

Looking Ahead — and Giving Back

With her bachelor’s degree completed, Katti is considering continuing her education with a master’s degree in the future.

She reflects on how much this journey means—not just for herself, but for her family and community.

By finishing her degree, Katti said she’s not only achieved a lifelong goal, but she’s also set an example of perseverance and dedication for those around her.