Joshua Ostergaard walked across the stage at SEU’s spring commencement ceremony in 2024 as one of the youngest graduates in the university’s 89-year history to receive a bachelor’s degree. The realization of his dedication and tireless efforts finally sunk in.
“I had never really reflected on the entire journey all at once before,” Joshua said. “I was always focused on achieving the present goal or hitting that next milestone. But the moment I was handed the diploma, all of the work I put in over the past four years set in.”
At the age of 17, Joshua now holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and is already in the midst of earning a Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership from SEU. However, his education won’t stop there. He has plans to apply to the University of Florida to study corporate law and then become a practicing attorney by the age of 21.
Joshua’s High School Years
Achieving goals ahead of the typical timeline is not new for Joshua. He began dual enrollment in college at the age of 14 and graduated from high school at 15, just a few courses short of an associate degree.
“Josh was homeschooled throughout his life, which allowed him to dive into more advanced subjects at a young age, explore interests in depth, and work at his own accelerated pace,” said his mother, Christina Ostergaard, who serves as an assistant professor within SEU’s Jannetides College of Business, Communication & Leadership.
Christina homeschooled both Joshua and his sister, operating on a year-round schedule. Rather than taking a traditional summer break, they were able to spread out their time off throughout the year, leaving room for various educational trips and learning at their own pace. Joshua partly attributes his accelerated track to this system.
“Year-round schooling helped me stay in the groove of learning and I was able to master subjects quicker,” Joshua said. “I found our online lessons to be less repetitive and more efficient. The freedom to work harder and earn time off was an incentive and allowed me to progress much faster.”
By the time he enrolled at SEU, Joshua had received his high school diploma and was transferring from Florida Southern College, where he had already completed two semesters. He also spent time in the Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program and the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), where he learned and practiced many principles related to public speaking and business.
College Journey
Joshua began his studies at SEU in the summer of 2023 with four online classes and then dove into a full academic load on campus in the fall. “SEU was a breath of fresh air. The classes and assignments were more organized, and my professors were helpful and responsive,” he said.
One of his favorite professors happened to be his mother, Christina, who taught many of his business courses. “It was always fun having Joshua in class. He is naturally inquisitive, so he asked a lot of questions and always wanted more details,” Christina said. “He does not accept things at face value — he would often like to dig deeper and challenge the material.” Joshua also enjoyed his classes with Caleb Bloodworth, director of undergraduate business and professional leadership for the SEU Global Network. “Professor Bloodworth really stood out to me. His macroeconomics course was one of my favorites,” Joshua said.
During his undergraduate studies, Joshua was a member of the SEU Debate team and SEU’s Alpha Chi Honor Society. He also had the opportunity to take part in the social and spiritual aspects of campus life. “I really thrived in the small group setting where I had the chance to connect with other students,” Joshua said. “I was raised in a Christian household and always held strong to my faith, but having it integrated within my classes and being provided that daily reminder was so impactful.”
In addition to completing his master’s program and moving on to law school, Joshua has big plans for his future. Not only does he aim to gain experience as a practicing attorney, but he also hopes to one day open his own firm. In addition to these career goals, Joshua also has ambitions to become a professor.
Attributions to His Success
At 17, Joshua has already achieved much more than the typical student his age. He attributes his success to God and the community he is surrounded by.
“Without my support system and faith in where God was guiding me, I would not have reached the point I’m at today,” Joshua said. “I find it so important to give God all the glory, as it was truly His plan that I’ve been walking in all these years.”
He added, “My biggest motivation was always the people around me — my family and core group of friends. They are my biggest supporters. I’d encourage everyone to seek friends who push you forward and encourage you to be the best you can be. That’s what helped me never forget ‘the why’ behind everything I’m working toward.”
Learn More
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Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program
Distributive Education Clubs of America
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