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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 University
December 28, 2025
Marie Morton Curtis
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?
After experiencing the loss of my father, I initially left college, believing I would never complete my degree. My subsequent attempt to attend in-person classes coincided with my marriage, but this arrangement proved unworkable and became a source of stress after my divorce. However, by regrouping and finding renewed strength, I became determined to pursue my bachelor's degree, especially after witnessing my sister's successful journey toward her doctorate, which inspired me not to give up.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Managing the demands of an online degree alongside a full-time job presented a significant timing challenge. I overcame this by established a dedicated daily period for academic work within my home, separate from my professional responsibilities. This required asserting my needs within my household to secure uninterrupted study time. Despite the difficulties, persistence and a firm commitment to my educational goals pushed me to succeed.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I managed my online coursework alongside work and home responsibilities by strategically allocating my time, dedicating most of my Sundays to reading and assignments, and occasionally studying alongside my daughter to create a shared academic environment for the both of us.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Online college education offers distinct advantages over traditional on campus learning, particularly for me .I had lots of distracted and had prioritized other commitments, such as sports, during my academic pursuits. The flexibility inherent in online learning allowed me to have structure within my study schedule.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
Determination was my only motivation. I honestly had no strategy it was all about keep pushing and stay focused.
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?
Sigma Chi Psi Sorority's efforts to bridge the social gap for online students highlights the importance of inclusivity and community in education. The belief that everyone, regardless of race or religion, we are an equal unit building a supportive academic environment.
This philosophy underscores the idea that collective effort, much like a village raising a child, is essential for success, for students who might otherwise feel isolated in their online learning journey
What significance do socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Engaging in community service, such as feeding the homeless and neighborhood clean-ups twice a month, along with active networking and providing personal resource assistance, brings me significant fulfillment. While these endeavors are unpaid, the satisfaction derived from helping others find solutions, whether it's through internet research or recalling prior knowledge for issues like bill payment or housing, is immensely rewarding. I genuinely enjoy helping others, human beings, and animals.
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.