The memo circulating at your place of business brought you to attention instantly. You clasped the paper tightly and felt the sweat drench your palms. An opening had come up in the very department to which you had always hoped to transfer.

The second paragraph of the memo dashed cold water on your excitement: the requirements included a college degree, or, at the least, a certificate indicating satisfactory completion of appropriate education. The best you could offer was a high school diploma.

How many times has a similar scene been played out, by how many people? -- more than you might imagine.

Don't let frustration be the end of it. There's a perfectly good answer:

Distance learning online.

If you have the desire and determination to take positive steps to insure a better career future for yourself, all you need is an available computer with internet access, and the ability to set up a realistic schedule.

Everyday, degrees, diplomas and certificates are being successfully earned by people of all ages and circumstances -- the stay-at-home mom, people living in rural or remote areas, handicapped persons, as well as thousands of working men and women too busy to commute to a school building and sit in a stuffy classroom for a mandatory block of time - all are pursuing distance learning by computer from the comfort and convenience of their own homes.

Such students are enjoying the many advantages of higher education of their choice from accredited schools and colleges through distance learning online. Some advantages include:

" Fitting college work nicely into a busy schedule;

" Twenty-four hour access to course materials;

" Work at the time of your choosing and at your own pace.

-- and all of this while continuing to work a full-time job.

As part of the distance learning program, audio lectures are often delivered through speakers or headphones. They can also be recorded and reviewed by the student at a more convenient time.

"Chat rooms" are available if you wish to discuss ideas with other students taking the same courses. Questions and comments can be addressed live to the instructor.

You can even take tests or hand in completed assignments online and have them graded and returned to you.

Such are some of the advantages and benefits of distance learning online.

It will be your responsibility to develop good work and study habits as well as to keep on top of your assignments, just as you would in any bricks-and-mortar school setting.

Finances need not be a stumbling block. Grants, loans, or other financial program tailored to suit your individual need are usually available.

So, if you are serious about carving a better future for yourself with the degree you seek, then sweep away those imaginary obstacles and further investigate distance learning online - it makes good sense!