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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 West Georgia
February 8, 2025
Michelle Demetrius
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.
No, I am not a business owner yet.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
I have always wanted to go to a university to earn my degree in nursing, but of course with poor decision making my path was altered. I attempted several times between having 3 kids but, eventually gave in to earning a diploma for nursing as an LPN after my divorce in 2004. I attempted to go back to school for the Fall 2014 semester. Unfortunately, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and I was given disappointing news regarding the nursing program during my student orientation, which both made it impossible to start school. While caring for my mother, I attempted again in 2017, but instead for business. Several weeks after starting classes my mother was put into hospice care. I was unable to focus because I was emotionally and mentally drained, I failed all my classes and eventually withdrew. In December 2021 I received an email from the same university with an opportunity to return by granting me amnesty for the classes I failed along with waiving the application fee. I received that as God giving me the opportunity to finish what I started with no hinderances. Because now I am remarried empty nester, and unfortunately, my mother has passed away, so I am no longer a caregiver. These life changes have allowed me the ability to focus completely on my studies. These events are proof and aligns with the saying I live by "God's time is the right time, the only time, and the best time" and "Nothing happens before its time".
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Thankfully, I haven't faced many challenges while pursuing my degree this time around. The few that I did face was when I contracted covid for the first time within the first week of starting school for the 2022 Spring semester. Even though I was experiencing a significant amount of body aches, fatigue, and a 104.0-degree fever I pushed through to starting and submitting assignments in an effort to maintain my goal of staying ahead. Also, when my husband was sick for 2 months last year, between going to the hospital and taking care of him at home while working 12-hour nights, and having homework was a bit challenging. But, because I stayed ahead of my work it reduced a lot of stress, and I was able to maintain being ahead.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I balance coursework and other responsibilities as previously mentioned by staying ahead of any deadlines which allows me to allot quality time with my family and friends with a clear and devoted mind. I also, give myself mental breaks whenever I'm working on long assignments and projects, by either talking to my husband, laying down and watching a little television, or just lay in silence (Peace be still) to mentally reenergize.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
What I have found to be beneficial is the opportunity to work at my own pace without fail, saving money on traveling back and forth to the campus which also reduces wear and tear on my vehicle, and the ability to maintain a full-time job.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I stay motivated by remembering I am finally accomplishing a lifelong goal of going to college towards earning a degree, I'm making my mother proud even though she's no longer here, and that I am setting an example for my kids to witness that regardless of whatever we are going through that may hinder us along the way. It is never too late to accomplish your goals and to never give up on them because whatever God has for you, is for you.
The strategy I use to ensure my success is that I maintain a daily online presence by checking into each class content making sure I haven't missed any deadlines, while checking for new announcements and updates from Professors. I also stay at least a week, 2 weeks, if possible, ahead of working on my assignments.
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?
It signifies inclusion for students who are achieving a goal in a non-traditional setting. It also signifies recognition in addition to creating a safe and comfortable place for older college-aged students. Whether you’re taking online or campus-based classes, most college organizations usually attract younger students that are coming straight out of high school. This makes it not only uncomfortable but awkward for someone like me being of 53 years of age who desires to be a part of a Greek organization, to join. So, it fills a gap for agism as well.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
The significance that these events hold for me is that it gives me a good feeling of unity because we have all gathered for the same purpose. They also allow me the opportunity to not only make a difference for the people in the community we are serving but, it also grants me the quality time to create new friendships and strengthen my relationships with those who I am participating or holding service events with.
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.