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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.
Devry University
December 26, 2024
Tokhia Richardson
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.
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What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
I have always wanted to earn a Bachelor’s degree, but life circumstances delayed my educational goals. I became a mother at a young age, which required me to shift my focus to raising my son and later my niece. Over the years, I worked full-time to support them, leaving little time for school.
Once my son graduated high school and started college, and my niece graduated high school and began college in 2023, I finally had the opportunity to prioritize my lifelong dream of earning a degree. However, balancing full-time work and supporting them in their educational journeys made a traditional in-person college approach unrealistic. That’s when I realized that an online college program would allow me the flexibility to pursue my goals while still being present for my family.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced while pursuing my degree online is wanting to do more but feeling limited by the structure of virtual learning. Not being able to ask questions in real-time can be frustrating, as it often requires additional effort to research and resolve issues on my own.
To overcome this, I’ve developed strong self-discipline and time management skills to stay on track. I’ve also made use of available resources such as discussion boards, email communication with instructors, and online forums to get the support I need. While it can be challenging, this process has helped me become more resourceful and independent in my learning.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Balancing online coursework with work and family has been a challenge, but I’ve found ways to make it work. It starts with being really intentional about my time—I keep a schedule that helps me carve out dedicated study hours while still handling my job and being there for my family.
I’ve also learned to be flexible and take advantage of any free time I can find, like studying during lunch breaks or after the house quiets down at night. Communication has been a big help too. I let my family know when I need time to focus so they can support me.
It’s not always easy, but staying organized and keeping my goals in mind has helped me find a balance that works for me.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
One of the biggest benefits of pursuing a college education online is the flexibility. I can fit my classes and study time around my work schedule and family responsibilities, which wouldn’t be possible with traditional on-campus learning. It allows me to learn at my own pace and focus on what I need without feeling rushed.
Another benefit is that I don’t have to commute or rearrange my entire day to attend classes, which saves me so much time and energy. Plus, I’ve developed better time management and self-discipline because I have to stay on top of everything myself.
While it’s different from being in a classroom, the online format has made it easier for me to focus on my goals while balancing everything else in my life.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
Staying motivated and engaged in my online classes comes from my deep desire to achieve my goals and lead by example. I want my kids to see that no matter what challenges life throws at you, it’s never too late to follow through on your dreams. I remind myself daily that by staying committed to my education, I’m showing them the importance of perseverance and never giving up.
To stay on track, I set clear goals for each course and celebrate small victories along the way. I also stick to a routine that keeps me focused, and I make time for self-reflection to remind myself why I started this journey.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I think about how proud I want my kids to feel knowing that I didn’t give up. That’s all the motivation I need to keep pushing forward and give my best effort.
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?
When organizations like Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity work to bridge the social gap for online students, it means so much. Being an online student can sometimes feel a bit isolating since you don’t have the same in-person connections as traditional students. These organizations remind us that we’re not alone and that we still belong to a larger community.
It shows that they understand how important it is to feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger—even if we’re learning from behind a screen. They create opportunities for us to build relationships, share experiences, and find encouragement, which can make a huge difference in staying motivated and feeling like we truly belong.
It’s a reminder that education isn’t just about coursework; it’s about community too.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on community and service hold a lot of significance for me. They’re not just opportunities to meet people—they’re ways to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and grow personally and professionally.
Networking helps me learn from others, share my own experiences, and open doors to new opportunities that I might not have discovered otherwise. It’s also inspiring to be around people with similar goals and values, as it keeps me motivated to stay on track.
Community service, in particular, is close to my heart because it’s a chance to give back and make a positive impact. It reminds me that success isn’t just about achieving my own goals but also about contributing to the world around me. These experiences ground me, inspire me, and remind me of the power of working together to achieve something bigger.
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.