Donyell Craig
Meet Donyell Craig
Name: Donyell Craig
Age: 33
Marital Status: Single
Children: Girls 9, 14; and one 11-year-old boy
Current Location: Georgia
Time-saver: DeVry sends all its students software packs, eliminating the need to purchase software.
Current School: DeVry University
Target: B.S. in Technical Management, Spring 2009
Donyell Craig has a strong, gentle voice. When she speaks, you know that the words are coming from a genuine, warm-hearted, determined individual. Though she has very little free time, she doesn't rush through the conversation. Her words flow at a steady pace.
"It is truly amazing what you can accomplish in 24 hours," says this 33-year-old mother of three.
When she describes a typical week for her and her family, it is hard not be impressed by her stamina and energy. Her children are very active in their extracurricular activities and need Mom to drive them back-and-forth.
Her youngest two are approaching their teens, and the oldest is fourteen-years-old. Their after-school events require a great deal of transportation and it keeps her on the go.
Aside from being a dedicated mom, she also works 40 hours a week at her job and is taking an online course that requires at least 15 hours of work each week.
Despite working full-time and being a single mom, she manages to stay on top of her studies.
At the office, Donyell is currently managing a very important account for her company and her work has become increasingly demanding. Despite its difficulty, she enjoys what she does. She decided to study Technical Management to give her the knowledge and skills to do more in her career and to "pursue future opportunities with my current employer."
By studying Technical Management, she says she will have the opportunity to "become more successful in my job."
When researching different universities and online degree options, it was her professional goals that ultimately helped guide her decision about where to enroll. DeVry made an impression on her. She was familiar with the institution and knew that it had a solid reputation.
"I had heard a lot about how good their e-learning was," she says. Donyell is currently working towards a bachelor of science degree online at DeVry University.
She had no prior experience with distance learning before starting classes at DeVry. She had earned an associate's degree years before in a traditional on-campus setting.
Since earning her associate's, Donyell's life was different, and an on-campus program did not fit her life. Distance learning made sense for her, as her job and family keep her very busy throughout the week.
Taking courses over the Internet has worked really well for her, and DeVry has been "the best experience I've ever had" when it comes to academic support and its educational programs.
At least once a week, Donyell has to log into her virtual classroom on the World Wide Web. Once she is logged in, there are weekly discussions, video presentations, and assignments.
"The instructors have these video presentations that make you feel like you're in the classroom setting." And DeVry ensures that each student has what they need for class.
"I never had to buy any software for my classes," says Donyell. After enrolling at DeVry, she received a software packet from the University that had all the computer software she would need for her online classes.
Though her experience with distance learning has been positive, she did offer a bit of advice regarding mathematics specifically. "Go to a campus, if you can." This is a common sentiment shared by many online students about math intensive courses, such as accounting. It can be a difficult area of study if your are learning it for the first time.
She offers another piece of advice to prospective students: "The most important thing is you have to read and study. The best thing you can do is read your material."
Without reading the required texts, students will be missing out. Students can get the most out of their academic experience by reading and studying the provided course materials. For her, she has had immediate benefits by reading, studying, and staying on top of her assignments. "I've enjoyed reading … it has strengthened my writing and communication skills."
Though she has had a lot of success in her program, she has also had to overcome difficulties.
"I've learned that the most important thing is to just continue to strive harder and harder. You can do anything you put your mind to. You cannot give up. Just don't give up."
As a working mother, she understands how hard it can be for single parents to be in school.
"You can do anything you want to do. You just have to know how to manage your time efficiently. Be serious about taking these online classes. It's just as important for you to take your education seriously. Manage your time."
"As an online student, you need to put yourself in the college mind-set." She recommends that students set aside specific times for researching at the library, studying and reviewing, or working on a project. Time management includes creating a schedule, sticking to it, and being able to tell yourself, "No. My paper comes first. I have to study."
It's equally important to allow the mind to rest and get a breath of fresh air.
"I've learned to take breaks at work." By taking advantage of her lunch hour, Donyell allows herself to get out of the office. When she returns to her desk, she feels more energized.
It is not easy being the head of a household, acting as the sole breadwinner, and finding time to work on her degree. For most online students, there are times that they can feel overwhelmed.
Donyell has learned to look to her academic advisor during difficult times.
Her advisor at DeVry has been a big source of support "even when I was at my wit's end," she says. She is very grateful to Diana Burke for her positive spirit and supportive attitude. "She's really been an inspiration to me!"
And what do her children think of her academic goals? "They are very, very excited. They're happy for me. Around finals, they are perfect … I couldn't ask for better kids!"
