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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.
Southern New Hampshire University
April 15, 2025
Abreyah Covington
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 am working on a business but have not created the LLC for it yet.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
My children gave me the motivation to complete the BA. Once I did that, I decided to continue to obtain my MBA to learn how to manage a business. With this, I have finally learned of the business that I would like to create. So, my Husband and I are working on a few things as we speak.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
The only challenge for me was the lack of comradery. While pursuing my undergrad I was able to make friends. However, while obtaining my MBA I have not made any "connections" due to being strictly online.
The way to overcome it was through this platform. I feel like this would be my way to make the connection with friends and sisters alike!
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
My babies are four and seven and then I am also married. I have two due dates throughout the week but make sure to set time aside to spend time with my family. We have family dinner, family nights such as movie or vacations.
Even while in class, I still have time to be there with my family and not miss out on the important things. I just have to make sure that the little one's know that when mommy is on the laptop she is doing homework to learn and advance just like them.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
The benefits of going to school online was the flexibility and also being able to take as many classes that I could handle. While in my Undergrad I had to take three to five classes to be considered fulltime; which was hard. I was afraid to go back to school because of it.
However, seeing how proud my children were, I decided to continue and obtain my MBA and during the process I have obtained a GPA of 3.5 or better and have made the Dean's List on multiple occasions!
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I made sure to focus on the deadlines, put one hour of study in each day or get homework done within that hour. Making a set schedule has helped me continue to get good grades thus far.
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?
This community signifies a family, a community, coming together to do something that matters. This gives us a sense of belonging. This allows us to make connections.
When COVID-19 first came out, we were ostracized, needed to be alone but craved that personal time with others, bonding time, comradery. I kind of feel like taking online classes can be the same way. But with this type of community, this gives us the chance to make connections and to not feel alone!
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
I hold this to high standards due to having the need to feel like I belong to something. In my undergrad I wanted to be a part of a sorority but failed to take the time to find the right fit.
I wanted to be sure that I did it the right time this way and make lifelong connections. Socializing, giving back and having sister's to call on or network with means everything to me!
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.