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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.
Kansas State University
May 25, 2023
Chelsey Shirrell
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 got married in 2017 and we started trying to get pregnant soon after. After struggling for four years, I was diagnosed with PCOS and infertility. After receiving my diagnosis, I began to research PCOS and infertility and found information on the correlation between nutrition and PCOS/infertility. I began to change my own diet and noticed a change in how I was feeling and became really passionate about nutrition and wanted to help others. I decided to go back to school to study dietetics with the hope of becoming a licensed Registered Dietitian. As someone with a full-time job, I knew that on-campus classes wouldn't be possible. I discovered that Kansas State University had an online dietetics program and I was so happy! I've been able to attend school online while also working full-time. I am truly blessed to work for an agency that encourages higher education and has really nurtured my passion for nutrition.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
I think that the biggest challenge for me is the lack of on-campus engagement. I didn't realize how important things like relationships with professors, research projects, participating in organizations, and networking would be to my degree but I've learned that these are incredibly important factors that I am sadly missing out on. To overcome this, I've worked hard to build relationships with my professors and schedule zoom meetings with them often. I have also found local opportunities to gain experience in nutrition and network with dietitians in my area. I've joined some online dietetics organizations as well. These aren't quite the same as on-campus experiences, but they've been beneficial. Another challenge is time. I'm working full-time. I'm on the leadership team of a nonprofit agency, and I wear a lot of hats here. I've had to come to terms with the fact that I cannot do all of the things that I want to do, and have had to cut my hours down a bit to allow me more time to focus on schoolwork.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
This has been difficult! As I stated previously, I am so blessed to work for an agency that encourages higher education. My supervisor has been so supportive and understanding. She is happy to help me rearrange my schedule and is understanding if there are weeks when I need to spend more time focusing on schoolwork. She's also been great with allowing me to rearrange my schedule to allow for shadowing and internship opportunities. My wife has also been incredibly supportive. She is my biggest cheerleader. She is understanding when I need to just be focused on my schoolwork. I know that I am really privileged to be surrounded by support. I also don't have children yet which has been helpful in balancing life, work, and school.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
One huge benefit of pursuing an online education is that I can work full-time while doing so. We would not be able to live on one income, so it's important that I maintain my career while going to school. As someone with ADHD, it's been helpful for me to be able to work on my schoolwork when it works for me rather than being expected to be in a classroom at specific times in the day.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
There have been a few times that I've wanted to give up. When I look back at those times, I realize that it was always out of fear of failure. There are a few things that keep me going in those moments. One is my wife. As I stated before, she is so supportive of me and reminds me of the end goal any time I feel overwhelmed. Working for the agency that I work for is also motivating because they're ready to create a position for me once I'm done with my degree. The biggest motivator for me, however, is myself. I'm seeing myself do this and do it well. I've faced a lot of adversity in my life and struggled immensely in high school. Realizing that I am smart and capable pushes me to want to keep going. I've maintained a 4.0 thus far, and that just really pushes me to want to get to the end.
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?
I think that there was a time when online learning was looked down on. I can remember the first time I attempted to take classes online and everyone acted like I wasn't going to get as good of an education as people attending on-campus classes. Seeing organizations like yours bridging the social divide shows me that people are finally realizing that an online education is no different than an on-campus education and that online students also deserve a true college experience. People see that we work hard and we deserve to be involved in organizations and receive opportunities just like we would if we were on-campus.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
For me, it’s all about building real connections and doing something meaningful. Whether it’s a networking mixer or a service project, I walk away with a deeper sense of purpose and new people in my corner.
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.