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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.
WGU
May 24, 2024
Sharniece Jamison
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?
I first decided to pursue my Bachelor’s after achieving my goals within my career. Most of my peers hold a law degree. In order to have all of the same opportunities I need to have the education to accompany my experience.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Well when I first started school out of high school I ended up pregnant and had to delay my degree. After raising my only daughter and sending her off to Clark Atlanta University and buying my first house, I decided I was ready to finish. I registered in October and lost my dog days later. She was 15 years old. It was hard on my daughter. That was the biggest heartbreak I thought I would face. Until 5 months later when I got the call that my baby girl was found dead in her college housing apartment. She was a 3rd year psychology student. Only 20 years old. I continued with school because I knew that if I took a break I wouldn’t ever finish. Focusing on finishing what my baby started is what is helping me overcome all of my heartbreak.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I work full time and go to school full time. Keeping busy is so important to me right now. Organizing my day to remain busy and not overwhelmed is so important. Everything I have planned for the week is thoroughly planned out.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
I think the benefits of school online is being able to also focus on other things that are important to me like self care, family, and my career.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
My daughter being so close to her goal is what is motivating me to keep going. I have custody of my daughter’s half sister and she will be leaving in August for FMU. Her watching my navigate through this tragedy play a huge role for my motivation. Joining a sorority and being held accountable is something I’m also trying to accomplish to ensure my success.
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?
I think it’s so important. Online degrees will eventually be just as big if not bigger than traditional university. It’s important to have avenues of representation for all. Eventually D9’s will start to promote online chapters. It’s inevitable, and you guys will be the first to have done it. I would love to be apart of that story.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
I’ve always had a passion for connecting with the community especially children. After all that I’ve been through I know I can be a testimony for others. Getting out in the community and networking is are important to create these connections.
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.