top of page

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. 

North Carolina Wesleyan University (Formerly North Carolina Wesleyan College)

June 10, 2023

Tonia Scott

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.

N/A

What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?

I was inspired to pursue an online college model for the convenience and flexibility. At the time, I was working full-time and the traditional college model (in-person) did not work for me.

I searched for a school that had a online/hybrid model. As result, I found North Carolina Wesleyan and the convenience of taking online courses in addition to in-person classes - one time a week, was a fit for me.

What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?

When I was in school, I faced the challenge of burn-out. I was a full-time student, full-time employee as a Director for a local non-profit organization. My job at the time required some evening and weekend work. It was a challenge to juggle everything.

I overcame this by setting uninterrupted time to focus on my studies, delegate tasks at work that would empower my team to step up and contribute to their professional development and scheduled downtime that would allow me to recharge.

How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?

I was purposeful with scheduling personal time to connect and be fully present with family/friends, delegated responsibilities to my team which allowed me to free-up some of my time during the work day and ensured I stuck to my scheduled time to study and complete my coursework.

What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?

Flexibility and convenience. In addition, in some cases I could work at my own pace, which allowed me time to balance my other responsibilities.

How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?

I’m a people person, so it was helpful for me to build community with my classmates. I scheduled time for those I connected with to talk, share challenges and offer support/suggestions to one another.

This kept me motivated because I was connecting with likeminded individuals who were experiencing some of the same challenges and/or benefited from the community we created to stay motivated and encourage one another.

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 believe organizations such as Sigma Chi Psi and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity offer community for individuals that are on the same journey of pursuing higher education. It creates a space for connectivity, learning, encouragement, sisterhood/brotherhood and support.

What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?

I see networking and community service as key elements in growing both personally and professionally. They allow me to meet people from all walks of life, give back meaningfully, and stay rooted in values that matter.

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.

bottom of page