Courtside to Classroom: Darasjot Hothi Finds Success in the Online B.A. Completion Program

For Darasjot Hothi, an IT analyst at Duke Health, the road leading to his bachelor’s degree involved its own unique set of twists and turns. Even though he had previously attempted to complete his degree through other universities, he hadn’t found a bachelor’s program that fit his learning style and schedule.

“It wasn’t a good fit for me, and mentally, I just wasn’t there. So I dropped out for a year,” Hothi explained. “I tried to get into the workforce, but I couldn’t get a job that I wanted.”

It was during this year-long break that an honest conversation with his father helped him reconnect with his true interests and aspirations. “He told me to do what I love instead of a 9-5 because I will end up hating it,” Hothi recalled. “I loved basketball and I knew I wanted to coach.”

That pivotal moment prompted him to enroll in the NC State Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) online bachelor’s degree-completion program in the spring of 2023. This decision would make it possible for him to complete his degree while pursuing his dream of coaching basketball.

Choosing the NC State Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

With renewed clarity about his goals, Hothi was drawn to the LPS program’s unique combination of flexibility, structure and academic rigor.

“One reason I chose NC State for LPS was because it was online, so I had flexibility with being able to work with the women’s basketball team at NC State and work another job,” he explained.

The Leadership in the Public Sector program is a fully online bachelor’s degree-completion program specifically designed for students who have already completed some college coursework. It is particularly well-suited for adult learners, like Hothi, who require a more flexible schedule due to professional or personal commitments.

Designed for non-traditional students and working professionals, the LPS program allowed Hothi to earn his undergraduate degree without having to sacrifice his extracurricular ambitions or adhere to a rigid in-class schedule.

Navigating Work, Education and Personal Growth

Balancing academics with his other responsibilities required strategic time management, but Hothi quickly developed an effective approach that worked for him.

“I’ve been proactive about getting ahead. I hate procrastinating, so I decided to just work ahead as much as I can, and most classes let you get ahead, too,” he shared.

This proactive mindset was key to his success in the LPS program, allowing him to minimize stress while making steady progress toward his degree.

Throughout his time at NC State, Hothi found the program’s support and guidance crucial for his success. “LPS has been great. I feel like I’ve learned a lot and my advisor has really helped me figure out a plan of how to graduate,” he reflected.

The program’s structure was especially helpful for someone like Hothi, who had previously struggled to find the right educational fit. “The classes and the professors are challenging enough to keep me engaged, but not turn me off from school altogether,” Hothi noted.

Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

For Hothi, the link between classroom learning and its practical application made his time in the program particularly useful.

“Although I don’t plan on working in the public sector, I still learned different aspects about leadership that will go a long way with coaching. So just using those tactics is helpful,” he explained.

As he approached graduation, Hothi planned to celebrate this significant milestone with his family by attending the departmental commencement ceremony.

Reflecting on his experience at NC State, he expressed appreciation for the relationships he built because of the program. “I enjoyed my time at NC State for sure. I met some great people along the way, and I’m thankful!” he said.

By choosing a program that aligned with his schedule and provided the structure he needed, Hothi found a way to pursue his passion for basketball while advancing his academic goals. His journey is a reminder that persistence, coupled with the right educational environment, can transform setbacks into opportunities for success both on and off the court.

Interested in completing your undergraduate degree with the NC State Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) program? Visit the NC State Online programs page to explore this and other flexible, online options for working professionals.