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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.
Western Governors University
March 3, 2025
Michelle Kelson
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.
Chell Kel's Consulting I mentor/counsel teens and young adults.
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
I started my college education back in the early 90s, but like many, life threw some unexpected challenges my way. Without a strong support system at the time, I had to put my education on hold. Still, I never gave up on the goal of earning my degree. It stayed with me through the years, and I became even more determined to finish what I started. Once I found the right opportunity and the flexibility of online education, I knew it was finally time to go after my dream, no matter what.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I faced while pursuing my degree online was managing time effectively. With the flexibility of online classes, it was sometimes easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. To overcome this, I created a strict schedule, set reminders, and dedicated specific hours each day for studying. This helped me stay organized and meet deadlines consistently.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Balancing coursework with other responsibilities required careful planning and communication. I made sure to prioritize tasks by creating weekly to-do lists and using a calendar to track assignments and important dates. I also communicated with my family, friends and employer about my schedule to ensure I had the time needed to focus on my studies while still fulfilling my other commitments.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
One of the benefits I have found in pursuing my college education online is the flexibility it gives me to balance school with my personal and work responsibilities. Being able to access lectures, assignments, and resources anytime has allowed me to learn at my own pace and stay productive, even when unexpected things come up. Online learning has also improved my self-discipline and time management skills since I am responsible for keeping myself on track without the traditional structure of in-person classes.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I stay motivated and engaged by setting small, realistic goals each week, which helps me not feel overwhelmed. I use a planner to keep track of due dates, study sessions, and assignments to stay organized. To make sure I stay focused, I create a quiet and dedicated study space free from distractions. When I feel stuck, I didn’t hesitate to reach out to classmates or instructors for support. Staying connected, even virtually, has been key to helping me succeed.
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 step up to bridge the social gap for online students, it shows true leadership and commitment to student success. It reminds me that leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about taking initiative to create spaces where people feel seen, included, and supported. As an online student, it can be easy to feel disconnected, but organizations like these show me that community and belonging are still possible. Their efforts inspire me to also be intentional about connecting with others and stepping into leadership roles where I can make a positive impact.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on community service are essential to me because they are opportunities to grow as both a person and a leader. Building connections helps me develop communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, all of which are critical for leadership. Community service, especially, holds a special place for me because it teaches humility and reminds me of the importance of using my skills and time to serve others. Even though I am an online student, I see these opportunities as ways to lead by example, contribute to my community, and build a network of like-minded peers.
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.