Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Sabrina, BS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Without distance education she would not have achieved her goal. There was another program locally, she admits, but it didn't have as good of a reputation. She would have found another classroom-based program and attended part time she imagines.
Name: Sabrina Ivory
Age: 44
Marital Status: Divorced
Children: A son and daughter
Strength: Working full-time as a single mom, battling illness, and having to re-take courses because of credit-transfer problems.
School: Winston-Salem State University
Target: Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 2001
Fortunately, she didn't have to take that step. The ability to set her own hours was invaluable to her as a single-parent. The flexibility meant that she could still work full-time to support her family and that her evenings could be spent at home to keep an eye on her teens.
The textbooks were the same as those used in traditional classes and the quality of the faculty equal in all respects. But, having attended college classes online and in person, she believes online classes are harder. She admits there is a benefit to participating in a live lecture. But the benefits of distance education outweigh the drawbacks. Plus, she learned, one becomes self-reliant.
As with many other online students, she has heard stories of students who fail to set schedules and mismanage their time. They let work pile up and feel alienated. "The professors are there to teach. If you are not getting what you need, make yourself accessible to them. Reach out. E-mail or call the office and leave a message," she advises.
It has been her experience that instructors were caring and helpful. However, the burden was on the student to stay on top of reading, posts, and assignments and seek help early. "If they didn't see you were putting forth the effort, they didn't go the extra mile."
"Don't call the day before the assignment is due," she warns. "They may not be available."
As positive experience as she had with technology when it came to regular assignments, she was still wary when it came to group projects. She never met online. "We always physically met. I lived 2 ˝ hours away. We'd meet halfway." She managed to avoid any negative experiences with group work. "We were all adult students. Everyone wanted the same thing. Everyone pulled their weight."
She is a true success story. She overcame adversity to beat the odds. And she is happy to share her story with others and offer encouragement and tips when she can. "I wasn't just there to do the assignment. I was there to learn." She allowed herself time to fully absorb the work. Whether assignments were due or not she set aside two hours each day.
"Set aside time everyday," she says. "If you wait to the last minute things can pile up on you." She offers this example to those who say they can't afford the time. "You set aside time to go get your hair done, or go to a movie. If the movie starts at 4, you block out that time. You know church starts at 11, so you set aside that time." Just as you would plan to be unavailable for two hours for each of those activities, you have to cut yourself off similarly to devote that time to school. On a regular basis.
"Set aside time for yourself now…for later."
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