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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
January 21, 2026
Chelsea Green
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?
What inspired me to pursue an online college education was a combination of life circumstances and a deep personal goal I refused to let go of. At the time, I was pregnant with my second child, working full time as a teacher, and navigating life as a newly single mother. I had always known I wanted to earn my master’s degree, but after trying multiple times in the past, life responsibilities and unexpected challenges continually got in the way.
Eventually, I reached a point where I realized I had to stop making excuses and start believing that my goal was still possible. When I saw a commercial for Western Governors University (WGU), something clicked. The flexibility and competency-based model felt like the opportunity I had been waiting for. I decided to give it another try, this time with determination and a clear sense of purpose—not just for myself, but for my children and my future. That decision marked the beginning of a journey rooted in perseverance, growth, and the belief that it’s never too late to invest in yourself.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced while pursuing my degree online has been learning how to truly prioritize life while balancing multiple responsibilities. As a full-time teacher, a mother, and a student, there are constant demands on my time and energy. There have been moments when family needs, work obligations, and personal responsibilities had to come first, even if that meant slowing my academic pace.
I have overcome this challenge by giving myself grace and learning to prioritize what matters most in each season. I’ve become more intentional with my time, setting realistic goals, creating schedules that work for my life, and using small pockets of time to stay consistent with my studies. By accepting that balance doesn’t mean perfection, I’ve been able to continue moving forward—one step at a time—without giving up on my degree.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
Balancing online coursework with work and family responsibilities has required intentional planning, flexibility, and a lot of patience with myself. As a full-time teacher and a mother, my days are already full, so I’ve had to carve out dedicated time for my studies, often during early mornings, evenings, or weekends when my family and work obligations allow.
I prioritize tasks, set realistic goals for each week, and break assignments into manageable steps so I don’t feel overwhelmed. I also make it a point to communicate with my family about my schedule, so they understand when I need focused study time. By staying organized, being consistent, and giving myself grace when life gets hectic, I’ve been able to maintain progress in my coursework while continuing to meet my responsibilities at home and work.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
One of the biggest benefits I’ve found in pursuing a college education online is the self-paced structure. Unlike traditional on-campus programs with fixed schedules, online learning allows me to progress through coursework at a pace that fits my life. This flexibility has been essential for balancing my responsibilities as a full-time teacher, a mother, and managing other personal commitments.
Being self-paced means I can spend more time on challenging topics, move quickly through material I understand well, and create a learning schedule that works for me without feeling pressured by rigid deadlines. It has allowed me to take ownership of my education, stay consistent, and continue working toward my degree while still managing my career and family life.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
I’ve stayed motivated and engaged in my online classes by constantly remembering my “why.” Pursuing this degree isn’t just for me—it’s for my family, to set a strong example for my children, and to be a better role model for my students. Keeping that bigger purpose in mind helps me push through challenging assignments and stay committed, even when life gets busy.
To ensure my success, I use strategies like setting clear, manageable goals, creating a consistent study schedule, and breaking large tasks into smaller, achievable steps. I also celebrate small milestones along the way, which keeps me encouraged and focused. By reminding myself daily of the impact this degree will have—not only on my future but on those I care about—I stay disciplined, engaged, and motivated to keep moving forward.
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 Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity work to bridge the social gap for online students, it signifies the importance of creating spaces where students can feel a sense of community and belonging. Online education can sometimes feel isolating, and having niche organizations that understand the unique challenges of remote learning helps students connect with others who share similar experiences, goals, and values. These organizations provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for meaningful relationships, which not only enrich the educational experience but also help students stay motivated, engaged, and connected throughout their academic journey.
What significance do 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 hold a great deal of significance for me because they allow me to build meaningful connections, give back, and grow both personally and professionally. I have been involved in organizations since middle school, participating in sports, Beta Club (Honor Society), and actively serving in my church. These experiences taught me the value of teamwork, leadership, and service, and they instilled a lifelong appreciation for community involvement.
Engaging in networking and service-oriented events as an adult continues that tradition, helping me connect with like-minded individuals, expand my support system, and make a positive impact. These experiences reinforce the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and giving back, and they motivate me to model these values for my students, my family, and others around me.
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.