This summer, Moore signed up for a general psychology and Texas history distance learning class at San Jacinto College Central via the Internet. While thousands of students follow suit every year, Moore's case was a bit unusual. She is a Private First Class in the Army and is one of thousands of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

"There seemed to be no way to get an education while stationed in Iraq," Moore said. "I knew there had to be a way. So I looked on the San Jac Web site and registered for distance learning classes. The classes are great and help me keep focused on getting an education."

Taking classes in the middle of a war does have its dangers. Moore said that mortar attacks have occurred frequently in the area where she is stationed.

"The entire country of Iraq is a hot spot," she said. "There is a threat of being injured or killed. Still, this does not deter me from pursing an education."

Dr. Wayne Hall, San Jac Central psychology instructor, was so impressed with Moore's tenacity that he asked the college's foundation to provide a voucher so she could purchase books, which she did while on leave. "The fact she stuck with this under extreme circumstances struck a chord with me," Hall said. "Also, it demonstrates the true nature of distance learning. Anyone, anywhere with a solid Internet connection can take a college course."

Hall added that students from places such as Russia, South America and England have taken distance learning courses at San Jac.

Moore said she plans to continue taking distance learning courses at San Jac throughout her tour of duty. She is currently pursing an associate of arts in history and plans to teach U.S. history once she graduates.

Rachel Moore takes time to continue her studies via distance learning while on leave. Moore is enlisted in the U. S. Army and is stationed in Iraq. She is heading back to Iraq in July.