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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.
University of Phoenix
November 9, 2024
Vickie Simon
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.
Little Chic Weddings- Ordained Minister/Bridal Expert/LPC, GoGreen Financial Services
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
The decision to pursue an online education while raising small children isn’t an easy one, but the payoff I know will be huge in terms of both personal growth and the longterm benefits for my family. The key is finding the right balance and being flexible something that online education inherently supports. It might have been a slow start, but with determination and the right support, I am able to meet my academic goals while still being there for my kids.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Time management remains one of the most difficult challenges in pursuing my online degree, especially when balancing it with my family life. However, by creating a flexible, structured routine, prioritizing tasks, and leaning on a support network, I find it easier to overcome these hurdles and also celebrating small wins. The key is to remain adaptable, take breaks when needed, and keep reminding myself of "My WHY". Every small step forward is progress!
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Balancing online studies with work, church and family responsibilities requires a combination of organization, communication, and flexibility. Creating a realistic schedule, prioritizing tasks, and making use of available resources whether it’s church family, family support, or client flexibility this has help me stay on track and prevent overwhelm and/or burn out. Most importantly, being kind to myself extending myself grace and accepting that I can’t & will not do everything perfectly, helps me maintain both good progress and great mental health.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Flexibility is honestly one of the most encouraging reasons I chose to study online. The ability to set my own schedule, balance family, church and work commitments, basically study from anywhere, makes earning a degree more manageable and personalized for me and my small family
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
Staying motivated and engaged in online degree requires more than just time management, it requires maintaining a clear sense of purpose. Focusing on your WHY, this definitely helps me keep the longterm benefits in sight when the challenges feel a little overwhelming. By breaking down tasks, staying organized, and incorporating selfcare, helps me maintain my motivation to stay in the game. Every step I take brings me closer to my goals and keeps my WHY front and center.
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 organizations like Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity make an effort to bridge the social gap for online learners "Like Me", it signals a deep commitment to community building, support, and personal growth. This warrants a deep understanding that education isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom, it’s about who you become in the process. By creating opportunities for students to connect, grow, and lead, they’re ensuring that online students experience not only academic success but also personal and emotional fulfillment. This is a powerful reminder that, regardless of how or where we learn, the human connection and sense of belonging are always essential.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
For me, they represent exciting opportunities to connect with others, expand my horizons, and make an impact. The energy and inspiration I get from meeting new people, learning from them, and giving back to the community drive me forward. These activities aren't just about advancing a career, they’re about becoming a well rounded, compassionate, and engaged individual. Ultimately, they create a more vibrant, supportive, and fulfilling educational and professional experience. I am absolutely excited about this. Tremendously!!
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.