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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.
Rowan College at Burlington County
June 21, 2023
Michelle Martin
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.
Kaetering LLC. We are a brand new, fullservice catering and event planning company, based in Willingboro,NJ
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
It was never my intention to get my college degree via an online education, however, life "happened" and the online route was the only thing that made sense to me. I was lucky enough to graduate from one of the top high schools in Brooklyn at the age of 16, but I squandered that opportunity trying to assert my independence. Fast forward to 2023, I'm now 41 years old, working as an Executive Assistant for almost a decade, and depressed with a deep sense of unfulfillment and disappointment in myself. I finally made the decision to stop feeling sorry for myself and to do something about it, so I'm currently pursuing my RN Associates degree, and plan to continue on to my BSN.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I'm facing while pursuing my degree online is figuring out how to pay for it all. Luckily for me, Rowan College at Burlington County has a very affordable payment plan option that is allowing my to finally make this dream a reality.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I've been able to balance my online coursework and work/family obligations by having an amazing support group that consists of my mother, aunt, son, and significant other. Everyone has offered to chip in to help wherever possible from cooking meals, to babysitting, even cleaning up the house! It's great to have their support because I know that that's not an option for some people, so I don't take their help for granted at all.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
The biggest benefit of taking the majority of my classes online is the flexibility of completing the coursework on my own time. As an adult learner with outside responsibilities, attending school on a traditional schedule is not an option, so being able to log in at night after work, or on the weekends to complete my assignments is a godsend.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I don't start my online classes until July 7th, however my plan is to set aside one hour per night on weekdays and 5 hours over the weekend to complete my coursework and for studying. I'll also be relying heavily on my partner to hold me accountable to those reserved 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?
More and more, people have been making the decision to continue their education via distance learning, and while it provides the convenience of completing your coursework at your own pace, the socialization aspects of the college experience are missed out on. The fact that Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity even exist today speaks to the importance of bridging the social divide that online students and/or community college and trade school students feel because of their choice to pursue their education in a non-traditional format. Being able to share your college experience with a group of people who, having had similar experiences, can understand your journey, makes that journey much more fulfilling.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Socializing and participating in community-driven events reinforces my belief in collective impact. It provides a structured platform to foster partnerships, develop emotional intelligence, and stay aligned with the values of service and shared responsibility.
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.