This article is one in a series of articles about what life looks like in Butler County ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary July 4, 2026. Stories in this series showcase what it’s like to live, work, play and serve in Butler County during this moment in history.

Technological advancements always affect the structure of schooling. From access to the World Wide Web to implementation of artificial intelligence, education systems are always adapting. For many, the option of cyber classes is perfect for their lifestyles.

Shannon Ebner, of Butler, was unsure about online school before enrolling in classes in Butler County Community College’s Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Certificate program. Now, with only a few classes left, she said she wouldn’t have done it any other way.

“I absolutely love it because it’s kind of do it when you have the time to do it. If you need to do it at 2 a.m., you’re able to,” Ebner said.

The 48-year-old student is set to graduate in the fall of 2026 with her certificate. Ebner said she moved to Butler by herself four years ago with the goal of becoming independent. Every step since then, including schooling, has worked toward meeting that achievement.

“I’ve definitely come a long way, for sure. I mean, a lot has changed for me in four years,” Ebner said.

Currently, she has no car of her own, relying on the bus to get her to and from work. Fully virtual courses mean there is no set class time, saving Ebner time and money on public transit.

“Not having to take the time to find a ride to get out there or wait on a bus to go out there, that is huge because time is money nowadays,” Ebner said.

Being able to work around employment hours is something she said is beneficial for her to get assignments done. While working 40 hours a week at McDonald’s, the time Ebner has for school is limited to a majority of weekend hours.

“I would probably not be able to work the hours I’m working,” said Ebner. “I do come home and work a little bit in the evenings, but it’s a little harder to get as much done.”

The certificate program provides students with skills they can use in a variety of different careers. Classes educate them in billing technology and anatomy throughout 32 credits. Online learning without a physical classroom environment was something that took time to adjust to.

“When someone’s not there to direct you, you have to be pretty able to get back on track or focus,” said Ebner.

Without a professor in the room, she had to learn how to walk away and reset on her own. With that comes the ability to refocus again. Ebner said she has to take occasional breaks from assignments, but she’s learned to self motivate.

“As long as you are willing to continue, consistently, every day to motivate yourself to do that, it’s great,” said Ebner.

After obtaining her certificate, she’s interested in entering the field in any way she can. While Ebner said she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of more schooling, she wants to put her new credentials to work first.

“I would definitely like to get in that field and be able to start making a little bit more money and be able to, you know, support myself completely with a car and everything,” said Ebner.

Despite classes being entirely remote for Ebner, she said there’s still a good amount of connectivity with professors. Over time, she learned to enjoy professor’s styles of teaching, grading or communication.

“I do like that you get to, even without meeting people, you still get to interact and get to know a person without seeing them in person,” said Ebner.

Though her decision to continue schooling was mostly driven by her desire to be self-sustaining, she was given a boost of confidence before enrolling. After passing six week training to become a certified recovery specialist, Ebner said she felt secure enough to give college another try.

“So, I just called and asked about it and immediately signed up and I’ve been there ever since,” Ebner said. “I think that’s the biggest thing I am going to appreciate is that I followed through.”

Besides her high school diploma, Ebner said she has no other schooling. She’d taken college classes before, but had never completed a program. The struggle is what makes obtaining the certificate so special to her.

“There is something powerful about consistently showing up for yourself, no matter what,” Ebner said.