Expanding Access Through Online Education: A Pre-Law Journey

So far, Mikayla Ching’s educational journey has been far from traditional. Though she began as a nursing student at the Community College of Vermont, unexpected circumstances soon led her to shift her focus to history and transfer to one of WSU’s physical campuses in 2024, and then on to Global Campus in 2026. Through each transition in her academic journey, Ching has remained focused on earning her degree, motivated by her passion for human rights and goal of one day practicing law. 

When asked what inspired her to pursue law, Ching said that recent global humanitarian events in Gaza influenced her decision to study international law and human rights. “[It] wasn’t on my radar until I witnessed what felt like a blatant disregard for international law unfolding in real time,” she said. Fueled by her commitment to defending human rights, she ultimately chose to join the pre-law track as a history major at WSU, where she took her first steps toward becoming a legal advocate for Palestinians.  

In 2025, Ching took her first Global Campus course in tandem with her physical coursework to fulfill a requirement for the pre-law track. WSU’s Global Campus offers fully online degree programs, certificates, and noncredit professional development courses designed to meet learners where they are—sometimes serving campus-based students like Ching as well. Though she wasn’t sure what to expect going into her first online course, she said that it “was one of [her] most engaging and enriching academic experiences at WSU.” She reported that she felt “fully supported” by her professor, Dr. Bibhushana Poudyal, throughout the semester. The course was ENG 362: Rhetorics of Racism, a class that Ching said “strengthened [her] analytical skills and deepened [her] understanding of how discourse shapes public perception, policy, and legal frameworks, which [she] see[s] as highly relevant to [her] interest in law and human rights advocacy.” 

Though Ching’s commitment to her goals and values has not wavered, the exacerbation of an existing injury presented an unexpected roadblock. To prioritize her health, she could no longer attend classes at WSU in person following the fall 2025 semester. Fortunately, her positive experience with virtual learning gave her the confidence that she could continue her studies at WSU through the Global Campus, which offers an online degree program in history with the same pre-law track, a relatively new addition.

“Our recent extension of the pre-law track within the history bachelor’s degree is a strong example of how Global Campus partners with academic departments to identify student needs and deliver the right coursework at the right time, ensuring that students like Mikayla can continue their WSU education without interruption,” said Kelly Newell, Global Campus’ assistant vice chancellor of strategic partnerships and development.

The extension of the pre-law track is a strong example of how Global Campus partners with academic departments to identify student needs.

Kelly Newell

While the academic rigor of Ching’s degree program remains the same, the asynchronous structure of online Global Campus courses makes it possible for her to continue progressing toward her degree while accommodating her medical needs. “It’s a fantastic option for someone like her who really needs that flexibility,” said her academic advisor, Rebecca Stull.

Indeed, Ching’s experience exemplifies WSU’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity. Despite the personal challenges she encountered, her savvy and determination—coupled with the offerings of Global Campus—made it possible for her to stay on track in pursuit of her degree. Her accomplishments reflect the excellence of WSU students and her potential to build a legal career defined by principled advocacy and meaningful change across political and cultural boundaries.

About the Author 

Emma Seckington is a writer for WSU Global Campus, working alongside the Marketing and Communications team to spotlight the unique accomplishments of Global Campus students, faculty, and alumni.