Excuse us! We are currently updating various site pages.
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.
Georgia Southern University
September 8, 2024
Michele Baylor
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.
Yes. I am the owner of Girly Bag Boutique. I sell jelly handbags with goodies inside. My motto was to put items in the handbags that every woman shops for: sunglasses, watch and spa items. This has been very successful for me.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
What inspired me to pursue an online college education was a combination of wanting more for myself and my family. After dropping out of school to have my baby and later earning my GED, I always felt there was more I could do. I wanted to show my child that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and I wanted to open up more career opportunities for myself.
The flexibility of online education was a game-changer. I knew I couldn’t commit to a traditional college schedule with family and work responsibilities. Online programs gave me the chance to learn on my own time, which made balancing everything possible.
Getting started wasn’t easy—I had to research programs, figure out financial aid, and get over the fear of stepping back into academics after so long. But once I found the right program, I took the plunge, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been challenging but incredibly rewarding.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Pursuing my degree online has come with its fair share of challenges, but the biggest one has been balancing my time between family, work, and school. Being a parent and having other responsibilities means there are always distractions, and sometimes it’s hard to find the energy to focus on coursework after a long day.
To overcome that, I had to become more disciplined with my schedule. I started setting aside specific times each day for studying, making sure to stick to those blocks even when life got busy. Another challenge was feeling isolated at times. Online learning doesn’t offer the same face-to-face interaction you’d get on a campus, and there were moments when I felt disconnected.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Balancing my online coursework with work and family has definitely been a challenge, but I’ve found a few strategies that have helped me manage it all. The key for me has been time management and staying organized. I’ve learned to schedule my days in advance, setting aside specific blocks of time for studying, family, and work. I treat my study time like an important appointment that I can’t miss, which keeps me accountable.
Having a strong support system has also made a huge difference. My family understands how important this is to me, so they’ve been incredibly supportive, helping out when I need extra time to focus on school. I’ve also learned to be flexible and patient with myself. Some days don’t go as planned, and I’ve had to accept that it’s okay to take a break and get back on track the next day.
By prioritizing tasks, communicating my needs with my family, and staying organized, I’ve been able to keep things in balance, even when life gets hectic. It’s not always easy, but seeing the progress I’m making keeps me motivated.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Pursuing a college education online has brought several benefits compared to traditional on-campus learning. Here are some of the key advantages I've experienced:
One of the biggest benefits has been the ability to study on my own schedule. Balancing work and family commitments, I’ve found it invaluable to fit coursework around my life rather than having to adjust everything else to a rigid class timetable.
Being able to attend classes and access materials from home has been a game-changer. I don’t have to worry about commuting or relocating, which would have been a significant hurdle given my responsibilities.
Online programs often offer a range of resources and tools that allow me to learn at my own pace. I can revisit lectures, explore additional materials, and engage in discussions on my schedule, which has helped me grasp the material more effectively.
Online education can sometimes be more affordable. With no commuting or campus-related expenses, it can be a more cost-effective option, which has been important for managing my budget.
I've also developed strong self-discipline and time management skills through online learning. Managing my coursework alongside other responsibilities has improved my ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
Overall, while online education comes with its own set of challenges, the flexibility, accessibility, and personalized approach have made it a great fit for my situation.
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 online classes has been a challenge at times, but I’ve found several strategies that help me stay on track:
I’ve set both short-term and long-term goals for my studies. Having clear objectives helps keep me focused and gives me something to work towards.
Establishing a regular study schedule has been crucial. I block out specific times each day for coursework and treat these periods as non-negotiable appointments. Consistency helps me maintain momentum.
Keeping track of deadlines, assignments, and exam dates with a planner or digital calendar helps me manage my time effectively. I break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
I make an effort to participate in online discussions, forums, and group projects. Engaging with classmates and instructors helps me feel connected and more invested in the course material.
Whenever I encounter challenges, I reach out for support. Whether it’s contacting a professor for clarification or discussing issues with fellow students, getting help when needed keeps me from falling behind.
I find that setting up small rewards for completing assignments or reaching milestones helps keep me motivated. Celebrating progress, no matter how small, reinforces my commitment.
Stay Connected to My “Why”: Remembering why I started this journey—whether for personal growth, career advancement, or setting an example—keeps me motivated even when things get tough.
By implementing these strategies, I’ve been able to stay engaged and make steady progress in my online classes. It’s all about finding a balance that works for me and staying committed to my goals.
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?
For many students, especially those learning online, the social aspect of education can be as important as the academic content. These organizations recognize that building connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating opportunities for networking can significantly enhance the online learning experience.
Here’s what it signifies to me:
It shows a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for online students. By offering social and extracurricular activities, these organizations help students feel connected and engaged, which can improve their overall experience.
Bridging the social gap can lead to higher levels of student engagement and motivation. When students feel like they’re part of a community, they’re more likely to participate actively and stay committed to their studies.
These organizations provide a crucial support network. They offer a space where students can share experiences, seek advice, and support each other, which can be especially valuable in an online setting where face-to-face interactions are limited.
It reflects a recognition that education isn’t just about academics. By focusing on the social and personal development of students, these organizations contribute to a more well-rounded educational experience.
Overall, their efforts highlight the importance of addressing the social dimensions of online education and underscore the value of community and connection in achieving academic and personal success.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
For me, socializing, networking, and participating in community-focused events are incredibly significant for several reasons:
Socializing helps build meaningful connections and relationships, both personally and professionally. These connections can provide support, advice, and opportunities that enrich both my personal life and career.
Networking opens doors to new opportunities. Whether it's through job prospects, collaborations, or learning experiences, meeting people in various fields can lead to valuable opportunities that I might not have encountered otherwise.
Engaging in community service and networking events helps me grow as an individual. It allows me to develop skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, and provides a broader perspective on different issues and causes.
Being involved in social and community activities creates a sense of belonging and connection. It fosters a supportive network where I feel valued and part of something bigger than myself.
Participating in community service allows me to contribute to causes I care about. It’s rewarding to make a positive impact on others’ lives and to give back to the community that supports me.
Interacting with a diverse group of people can be incredibly inspiring. It exposes me to different viewpoints, ideas, and experiences, which can spark new ideas and motivate me in both my personal and professional life.
Overall, these activities play a crucial role in enriching my life, enhancing my career, and contributing to my overall well-being. They provide a balance to the more solitary aspects of work and study and help me stay connected and engaged with the world around me.
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.