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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.
Tracie Cole
June 1, 2024
Tracie Cole
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 inspiration to pursuing a online degree was constantly being disappointed in the workforce knowing I had the potential to go far but not the credentials. In September 2019 I registered for winter classes at Strayer University to began Jan,2020. With much excitement to start this new endeavor I was attacked by my youngest son father. He hit me with a truck and ran me over Dec 10, 2019. With half my body crushed and almost losing my life I fought for me and my 3 young boys. Nothing stopped me on Jan 6, 2020 I started my classes while going through numerous surgeries, mental therapy, being a singe mom and losing myself I never gave up. In May 2022 I reached a Milestone at the age 36 I earned my Associate's degree In Business Administration at Strayer University, that was a huge milestone for me. I told myself "Tracie" don't stop in that time I prayed and applied for jobs with constant negativity from family I applied job after job, after being told I wasn't ready. I woke up August 2022 with a email from DC Government for a interview as a traffic Control officer. I dropped to my knees and thank God. Sep 2022, I received my offer letter and was hired with DC government. Now I became a full time mom, full time student, full time career woman and still going through surgeries. It's now "2024" and I grew so much I graduate June 29, 2024 with Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, from there I'll be working on my Master's Degree. I believe there's a reason the Lord spared me. In joining a strong sisterhood I feel I would have a bond with educated women like myself that will help encourage and push each other to greatness.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges going through getting me degree was not getting frustrated or feeling overwhelmed with life challenges. I overcame them by organizing my lifestyle. I seperated time for work, kids, self care and school instead of piling everything up.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I absolutely balanced my online coursework with other responsibilities. I had to decide what to choose and what to loose I can't make every function I had to slow down working overtime hours and know that a few more classes I'll be complete with class. Having a 16 year old, 13 and 8 year old I had programs and after school activities I committed to I can't let the kids down so why they were in practice i was online doing work. When I have down time at work I'll complete a discussion in class. I know that earning my degree will help me accomplish so much more. The working on my mental to never feel defeated or paranoid from my past I devote one day to therapy and release to help me focus more on my online classes.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Benefits for me with online college verse on-campus learning is the convenience. I move on my on pace at Strayer classes start every Monday and logging on at lest once a day gives you attendance and you have until Sunday midnight to have work completed. That is ideal for me juggling my lifestyle.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
Yes I have stayed motivated my oldest son watches me up all night completing school work and is very intrigued with my learning and looks forward to going to college and going on college tours. I like that y motivation motivates my boys.
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?
To me when organizations like Sigma Chi Psi and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity attempt to bridge the social gap for students who are pursuing their education means you can be apart of strong force of women without having to go to a traditional college and you will have a bond for life with strong women.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
I find it satisfying and networking and participating in events especially helping the less fortunate or listening to stories of women who have been through domestic violence and sharing my story and showing them to never give up.
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.