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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.
Strayer Univerisity
July 13, 2023
Torie Faye
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.
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What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
My daughter, spouse, and mother inspired me to pursue my online college education. I've always been a go-getter and wanted more out of life than the average or minimum. I started when I wanted a career and noticed that I had to aim for the best in education to get what I wanted. So I called strayer university admissions and asked how I got started. It was just that simple everything else fell in line and a smooth, easy progress, and now I'm in my summer term and on my way to completing my bachelor's degree in June 2024.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
The challenges I've faced while pursuing my education we're working a full-time job as a Quality auditor, the passing of my mother, and being a full-time wife and a mother. I've always had time for myself, time to grieve over the loss of my mother, making sure my daughter has a care provider to care for her while I'm at school or working.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I balance my online work by giving myself days of Friday-Sunday 2 hours to complete all of my coursework and stay focused. I ensure my daughter has a care provider, and my husband is very supportive and helps me. I turn my phone off and ensure I don't schedule anything on these days or times. After 2 hours, I do all my responsibilities as a wife and mother and any other errands I must complete that day.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
The benefit of online learning versus campus is online education is more flexible with time and schedule. It's comfortable in your home, business, and private areas. It is affordable, meaning you can make payment arrangements if you lack the financial means to pay for your education. It holds me accountable and always gives me self-discipline and self-awareness.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I stay motivated in my online classes when I see my graduation date. I visualize my career and where I want to be in my career. The motivation I get from my husband and the smiles I get from my daughter every time I complete a course. I see other students making it to the finish line to finish their degrees and seeing myself on the completion stage.
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?
When an organization bridges, it shows unity, strength, love, innovation, and teamwork. It shows passion in others and gives people like me an opportunity to show my educational skills and who I am as a person. To shine my light, be a voice for the voiceless, and strengthen the weak. To show my passion, drive, and ambition not only to make it in life but to succeed in my goal and help others to grow.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Socializing and networking or participating in events is something I am always wanting to do. It shows that I have empathy and compassion for others. It shows that I've been in their shoes when others have told me I would fail. It helps me to be accountable for every decision or action I make because I know somebody is admired or learning from me. I go out with confidence, dignity, grace, respect, and well-groomed, showing humanity and compassion.
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.