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Northcentral Academy
August 18, 2025
Lanair Sweeting-Barrett
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.
I love writing poetry. Mental health is a passion of mines. I am currently studying to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
Pursuing a doctorate in Early Childhood Education had always been a personal and professional dream of mine. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about the growth and development of young children and wanted to deepen my knowledge so I could make a greater impact in the field. However, when I was ready to take that next step in my education, the state I lived in did not offer a doctoral program in Early Childhood Education.
At the same time, I was juggling several important roles as a wife, a mother, and a full-time teacher. I had completed my master’s degree 15 years earlier, and while the desire to continue my education never faded, the demands of my daily life made attending a traditional, in-person program impossible. I knew that if I wanted to pursue this goal, I needed a flexible option that could fit into my already full schedule.
That’s when I began researching accredited online universities that offered a doctorate in Early Childhood Education. After carefully reviewing my options, I found Northcentral University. From the start, they stood out to me not just for offering the exact program I was looking for, but also for their supportive approach, flexible structure, and commitment to student success. Their asynchronous model allowed me to study on my own time, without compromising my responsibilities at home or in the classroom.
Northcentral University made it possible for me to turn my lifelong goal into a reality. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I gained not only academic knowledge but also personal growth, discipline, and confidence. It was, without a doubt, one of the best educational experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m proud to have achieved my doctorate through a program that truly met me where I was in life.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Pursuing my doctorate online came with its share of challenges, many of which tested my strength, patience, and perseverance in ways I never anticipated. Just six months into my program, I became pregnant with my youngest son. While it was a joyful time, balancing the demands of pregnancy with rigorous academic work was difficult. After his birth thankfully, he arrived healthy and strong I made the decision to take a three-month break to bond with him and adjust to life with a newborn. It was a necessary and meaningful pause in my journey.
Two years into the program, my family faced another emotional challenge when my father was diagnosed with cancer. That period was filled with fear and uncertainty. By the grace of God, it was caught early, and I’m so grateful to say that today, my father has been cancer-free for over five years. Still, navigating coursework while emotionally supporting my family took a toll on me, and I had to dig deep to stay focused and motivated.
Then, in 2020, the world changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. My husband and I both contracted the virus, and tragically, we lost two family members to COVID. On top of that, I had to transition teaching online, continue my own doctoral studies virtually, and help my children as they navigated online learning themselves. It felt like everything in our world had gone digital overnight and the emotional weight of illness, loss, and change was overwhelming at times.
Through it all, what helped me persevere was the unwavering support of my family and friends, and most importantly, my faith. I leaned heavily on prayer, grace, and a deep belief that this path was part of my purpose. There were days I felt exhausted and defeated, but I never let go of the vision I had for myself and my future. Earning my doctorate wasn’t just about achieving a title it was about showing my children the power of resilience, honoring my lifelong passion, and trusting that I could rise through any storm.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Despite the obstacles I faced, I managed to stay on track by creating a structured routine, setting clear goals, and leaning heavily on the support of my family and friends. My faith played a central role in keeping me grounded. I learned to prioritize, to ask for help when needed, and to give myself grace on the hard days. Balancing everything wasn’t always perfect, but I never lost sight of why I started. My commitment to earning my doctorate in Early Childhood Education and becoming an even stronger educator kept me moving forward.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Pursuing my doctorate online gave me the flexibility to balance school with my responsibilities as a wife, mother, and full-time teacher. I could study on my own schedule, which was especially important during major life events
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I stayed motivated by focusing on my lifelong goal of earning a doctorate in Early Childhood Education. I created a structured schedule, set weekly goals, and leaned on the support of my family, friends, and faith. Taking breaks when needed and celebrating small wins helped me stay engaged and push through challenging times.
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?
It signifies a strong sense of community, support, and recognition. Having organizations like Sigma Chi Psi and Gamma Sigma Gamma present shows that my hard work is valued and that I’m part of something bigger than myself t’s truly encouraging and meaningful.
What significance do socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Socializing, networking, and participating in community service events are important to me because they build meaningful connections, foster personal and professional growth, and allow me to give back and make a positive impact in my community.
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.