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The Digital Connection highlights students from various educational institutions and alumni. The opportunity to participate is optional and open to the public. Email support@scpandgsg.org for more information.
American InterContinental University
November 21, 2023
Tauwonna Curtis-Whitfield
Thank you for taking the time to participate in our digital article series, The Digital Connection. Your willingness to share your journey helps bring greater visibility to the experiences of online students and highlights the growing need for inclusive opportunities, like fraternity and sorority involvement, within virtual learning environments.
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What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
What inspired me to pursue a college education online is that when I've saw my firstborn Ebony going to Blinn College and how I've worked hard to make sure that she will get the best education possible, drove me to want to go to college myself.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I've saw my friends and family took online classes and after careful research of great online schools, I've chosen American InterContinental University because it helps me succeed by being more open to achieve my goals, while at the same time taking every learning resources needed to apply them in my career and my business.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
The many challenges that I've faced was dealing with the losses of my family and friends, time management, and also attending classes while also working my career and being a wife and mom all at the same time.
I've also have to deal with people who thought that going to school online was a waste of time by discouraging me and praying for me to fail.
I have overcame these challenges and obstacles by encouraging myself that I can accomplish anything by putting God first, and be surrounded by my teachers, family and friends that truly support and encourage me to do my best, and to also block any negativity from naysayers.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I've made sure that I manage my time wisely by setting up a schedule each day to study, take care of my household first, and become more productive in my career.
On my breaktimes at work, I use that time to study my courses and learning materials and then making sure that I complete and turn in all my assignments on time.
I also avoid procrastinating by keeping a daily journal on all of my classes, and then once I'm done with my studies during the day, I can find time to take care of my household and my family.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
The main benefits that I've found while studying online is that I can study and learn at my own pace, while at the same time carefully do all of my research and studies to all of my assignments.
The second benefit to pursuing and studying online is that I can be able to talk to my advisors and my instructors on certain issues and questions about my courses and they in turn will help encourage me and give me the resources that I need to achieve my academic goals successfully.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
Listening to Gospel, Zydeco and Country Music while studying, reading my daily devotionals and scriptures daily and praying to God regularly gets me motivated everyday because I know for a fact that without God I wouldn't be able to complete and earn my degrees.
Second, my kids are also my biggest motivators, because when they look at me studying and working to give them a better life, they constantly encourage me to keep going and to do better.
Lastly, I also have the support of my church family, my coworkers, supervisors, and my closest friends that truly inspire me and motivate me to be the best Tauwonna that I can be.
What does it signify to you when organizations like Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity attempt to bridge the social gap for students who are pursuing their education online?
What I love about my Sorors and my Frats of Sigma Chi Psi and Gamma Sigma Gamma is that they are truly awesome in reaching out to their Sisters and Brothers by encouraging them to strive for the best and to show them that being in this organization is more than just a sorority or a fraternity, I consider them family because no matter what obstacles come my way, My Big Sisters and Brothers truly go out their way to reach out and encourage me to be great and to do great things.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Socializing, networking and participating in virtual and in-person events is crucial in order for people to succeed in all aspects of life. It also helps in creating lasting, and productive working relationships between you and others.
Second, by networking and socializing with other brothers and sisters in events will also show how much you truly can be a part and can also make a difference for your career, your organization and for your community when you make time and commitment to becoming more involved and more engaging into helping people and to create a more positive change for the community.
Thank you again for being part of The Digital Connection. Your voice adds depth and meaning to this series, and we’re honored to share your perspective. We look forward to amplifying your story and continuing to build a platform that reflects the diverse journeys of online learners everywhere.