Kelley McKee of Steelton, Pa., graduated high school, went into the military and got married.

She had a son and obtained her business school paralegal certificate.

Her life appeared to be set.

But when she got into an accident that broke her neck, leaving her paralyzed at the age of 27, McKee's future drastically changed.

"After I began experiencing some progress, I knew that I should be doing something more," McKee said.

"I wanted to finally get my bachelor's degree."

McKee started weighing her future options.

"The accident changed my outlook on life," she said.

"I immediately turned to education."

She contacted Penn State and was introduced to Distance Education and the World Campus.

It is a program that offers planned learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting.

"The key is that students don't have to come on campus to take them; it's good for working adults and people with disabilities," said Gary Miller, associate vice president and executive director of Distance Education.

Many of the program's courses can be taken via the Internet, he said, which adds to their convenience.

"Because of this, we have students in all 50 states and in 45 other countries."

Miller added that some of the key benefits to this program are the flexibility of self-paced courses and the prospects for career advancement.

He also mentioned the opportunities it gives to students who are homebound or working so that they can't take classes.

It is also possible that some of the students have jobs and family responsibilities.

"What education is about is helping people change their lives," Miller said.

McKee agrees that the program helps people achieve goals.

Now in her third semester, McKee is enrolled in four courses.

McKee has plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in letters, arts and sciences.

At some point, she would like to attend law school.

"Kelley inspires not only others students, but also faculty fortunate enough to encounter her," said Susan Waitkus, English instructor at DuBois Campus.

"She reminds us how privileged we are to teach."

McKee explained that distance education benefited her because she has a disability and children, so she could only learn from home.

"I'm learning so much and never before realized the value of education. Even if I don't work after this, I know that I am better for my kids. I have knowledge to share with them," she said.