Currently Accepting Applications for All Orgs!
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 Military University
April 26, 2024
Robyn Coleman
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.
Before we start, we like to highlight business owners as part of our commitment to supporting small businesses. If you are a business owner, we invite you to share your business name, website, or any relevant details, so we can help amplify your work alongside your personal story.
Currently I am rebranding and reconstructing a previous business I started while provided Holistic Wellness products and services alongside my social media endeavors.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
The ease of setting my own schedule and pace was a draw for me. I earned my MBA on a fast track program while caring for our newborn , now 11 years old.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
My ex husband became my first paying client shortly after returning from war with severe PTSD.He jump-started my career by allowing me to formulate his supplements and holistic wellness plan which later helped him regain his independence and clarity to a certain degree.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Being able to run businesses remotely as well as continuing my education remotely even now , (seeking a teacher certification), has been key to allowing balance for my life as a single mother. A primary job, multiple side hustles , a 11 yr old and a 4 yr old...I enjoy the forward propulsion of it all.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Time management is far more efficient when using online learning. When I was a traditional student there were many gaps and inefficient uses of time which annoyed me. I found myself driving around or becoming bored of the environment. Also I am not a teen so being able to remove the chaos of a traditional setting and focus on the core of why I'm there is helpful.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I am absolutely a self-starter so motivation tends to come easy for me. I use calendars and apps for productivity as well as a good old fashioned spreadsheet with lists of my tasks by priority.
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?
It signifies to me that I am not alone. I look back on my college experiences and the one thing I've always felt I missed was feeling connected to my peers and like-minded women especially. I've researched how to apply to the D9's and it just never panned out as the proper fit for me. I also appreciate that we would be acknowledging the unique skill set that it requires to become a distance learner and be successful.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
It's an interest of mine and has been for years to connect and network with others in business and social settings. I would love to learn from my peers and feel as though I have joined an organization that is set out to evoke change and growth and knowledge in the world of women.
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.