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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.
Keller Graduate school of Management
November 27, 2024
Danielle Smith
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, One of my greatest accomplishments is developing ElevateHER Health & Career Solutions LLC, a hybrid consulting and coaching firm dedicated to advancing the careers, health, and well-being of Black women professionals and students. I’m passionate about helping others grow, whether through career readiness, professional coaching, or personal wellness. Additionally, I’ve recently been selected as a brand ambassador for JustStrong and am building my presence as a content creator to inspire and motivate others. My background also includes healthcare leadership, innovative project management, and advocating for Black women's well-being and professional success.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
One of the main reasons I decided to enroll in an online education program was my ability to keep on my academic path while also attending to my employment and personal responsibilities. While I value growth and lifelong learning, a traditional college course of study did not fit my present responsibilities and goals.
Being a non-traditional student, I started by looking at approved online courses that would fulfill my particular needs and help me reach my career objectives. Once I chose a degree program, I carefully planned my time to be in class while still taking care of my work and other obligations. The challenges and rewards of the experience have helped me to remain committed to my objectives while developing personally, professionally, and intellectually.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Two significant challenges for me while obtaining my degree online have been time management and maintaining contacts with classmates and teachers. To balance my school, work, personal life, and other responsibilities, I had to improve my organizational skills and create a consistent calendar. The lack of face-to--face interaction caused me loneliness at times as well; nevertheless, I overcame this by actively participating in online discussion groups, connecting with other students online, and contacting my teachers for advice. By keeping self-control, setting specific goals, and building a supportive online community, I have overcome these challenges and grown in an online learning environment.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
It has required careful preparation and committed time management abilities to juggle employment and home responsibilities with online studies. I make a point of giving my time between employment, education, and other responsibilities top priority on a thorough schedule. Setting clear goals and breaking up more difficult tasks into achievable chunks helps one to stay focused and efficient. To enable my loved ones and colleagues to be there for me when needed, I make sure they understand how committed I am to my education. Using planners and digital calendars and setting limitations to keep distractions at distance have been quite useful in keeping things in perspective and succeeding in my online programs.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Getting my degree online has various benefits, in compared to more traditional on-campus learning choices. Having the ability to complete homework whenever it would be most convenient for me has been quite helpful in managing employment, school, and other obligations. Participating in online courses with students from all across the globe has also expanded my horizons and let me establish real ties with individuals who live elsewhere. Many online courses' adaptability and flexibility have also helped me develop better discipline and time management skills—qualities that have been invaluable both in the classroom and beyond. All told, the online format allows me to pursue my academic goals without sacrificing other important spheres of my life.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
It has required intentional effort and smart strategies to keep engaged in my online learning. First, I remind each class of the long-term benefits of obtaining my degree and then I set particular, reasonable goals for every class. Digital calendars and planners enable me to set up certain times each day to study and monitor due dates, therefore helping me to keep on top of things. Keeping oneself engaged has also entailed befriending other kids, helping in class arguments, and asking teachers for clarification when I'm unclear. To keep myself motivated and focused, I also find that designating a quiet, distraction-free study space and rewarding myself upon goal attainment help. These strategies helped me to excel in my online courses really remarkably.
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?
Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity are demonstrating a strong dedication to inclusiveness, connection, and community by assisting online students in bridging the social gap. Because they don't have the opportunity to participate in campus life in the same way that their peers do, students enrolled in online programs may find themselves feeling more isolated from their fellow students. No matter what their educational background is, these groups provide a welcoming environment where students may thrive.
This indicates that students who decide to enroll online are entitled to the same first-rate education as those who decide to visit a college on-campus. By providing a feeling of community, a venue for personal and professional development, and the opportunity to give back to their local communities, these organizations bring students from both online and traditional institutions together. This effort emphasizes the need of ensuring that every student, from different backgrounds, has the opportunity to create significant relationships and grow.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
For me, socializing, networking, and attending events emphasizing community service and networking have great importance as they provide chances for development, interaction, and influence. Particularly in non-traditional settings like online learning, socializing helps to create a feeling of community and strengthens significant ties. Networking lets me pick knowledge from others, share ideas, and seize chances to forward both personally and professionally.
Engaging in community service is equally vital as it reflects my principles of returning favors and changing the world. It's a means of helping issues that really matter, fostering empathy, and honing leadership abilities while thus improving the lot of others. These pursuits together improve my life, boost my support network, and help me to match my passions with deliberate activity.
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.