Nicole Sabatini
Meet Nicole Sabatini
Name: Nicole Sabatini
Age: 29
Marital Status: Single
Children: Two daughters, 2 and 4
Employer: Chicago Public Schools
Personal Quote: If it weren’t for the option of online courses, I can honestly say that I very likely would not have even finished my Bachelor’s degree yet, let alone be almost halfway done with my Master’s.
School: University of Phoenix
Target: M.B.A., April 2008
For many busy moms, online learning offers a flexible alternative to obtain an education while they raise their children.
Nicole Sabatino, 29, is one educationally-savvy mom that has relied on the Internet to help her take courses and fulfill a dream.
She started her education after high school by getting a certificate in office occupations from Daley West Side Technical Center. From there, Nicole got her Associate’s degree from Moraine Valley Community College. She spent one semester at Harold Washington College while she waited for acceptance into the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Two semesters into her tenure there, she learned that she was pregnant. "My education halted there until I found an online university," recalls Nicole.
But she picked up her education again, obtaining her bachelor’s degree online in Business Administration from University of Phoenix Online.
"I started thinking about going back to school about a year after my first daughter was born. I knew that in order to provide well for her, I needed to complete my education."
Now working for Chicago Public Schools as an Administrative Assistant, Nicole has chosen to pursue her Master’s degree in Business Administration, and expects to graduate in Spring 2008. With two girls, ages 2 and 4, her plate is full.
But online learning is making it possible to further her career potential.
"I hope to obtain to obtain a position with a reputable company where I can feel like I am doing something for the greater good and utilizing the degrees I have worked so hard for. I believe that with my Master’s degree in Business Administration, many more doors will open for me and allow me to find a great job with great pay," she says.
We caught up with this busy mom to find out how she balances motherhood and school with the demands of a full-time job.
When and why did you start to consider going back to school?
The Community Physical Education program I was enrolled in only offered daytime classes during the week, and I needed to work full-time. It was impossible for me to work my current job and go to school.
Wanting to complete my degree, I started to look for other options and found out more about online courses. Through the program, I would be able to complete my entire Bachelor’s degree online in an accelerated program, without ever stepping foot in a classroom.
This meant I could work during the day and still be at home in the evenings with my daughters, which was perfect for me.
So why did you choose an MBA?
I selected Business Administration because I felt this would give me a broad overview of the business world and would afford me many more opportunities in the field than having a specialty only.
How many schools did you consider?
I only considered one school because I heard that it had the hardest classes, but was the very best, with the most experience serving adult and non-traditional students like me. It was University of Phoenix Online.
To me, it was important that I had the flexibility that would allow me to be home with my children in the evenings while still completing my degree. Price was a concern as well, of course.
What is your current course load this semester?
I take one class at a time with each class lasting six weeks. The classes start on a Tuesday, and end on a Monday, with a new class starting the very next day.
How many people are in your classes?
Mmmm ... about 20, maybe, 25 students.
Did you have to buy many textbooks for your online courses?
I didn't have to order any traditional college textbooks, actually. University of Phoenix uses e-books. Everything is available online via the student website and chapters can be printed or read directly from your computer. It's really convenient that way.
What technologies/tools are used to deliver your program (streaming video, audio, print textbook, WebCT, Blackboard, etc.)?
We utilize an online classroom, very much like a chat room but it is not live. We also have access to several simulations, a complete online library and e-text books.
How do you manage balancing work/school/personal life?
It is not easy. I know what I need to do and I just do it.
I wake up early to ensure there is enough time to get three females ready, and I can drop off each child at their school/daycare and then get to work on time.
I utilize my time spent on the train commuting to do school readings and spend time during lunch on readings and other school tasks. Using every bit of spare time allows me to still have a little time to play in the evenings. The majority of my homework is done after the kids have dinner and are bathed and in bed, but I have often done homework with a child on each knee.
Time management and motivation are key when you are learning via the Internet.
Can you estimate what your MBA degre will cost you in total?
Approximately $50,000. I am paying with student loans.
What would you say is the best thing about an online degree?
Not having to attend a physical classroom and being home while still gaining an education.
And what do you think is the worst aspect of an online degree?
If I had to pick something, I guess, I'd say that there is no personal (face-to-face) contact with classmates and instructors. Sometimes I miss it, but overall, it's not a deal-breaker.
What did you find most surprising about distance learning?
How much you can learn by essentially teaching yourself.
What do you think is the biggest myth about online learning or an online degree?
That an online degree is somehow not a REAL degree. Having earned my bachelor’s online and now my MBA, I'm living proof that it's legitimate!
What advice would you give to prospective students who are also thinking about distance learning?
Manage your time well and be sure that you are a self-motivated person. Deadlines and assignments are set, and the student is the only one who can make themselves meet the deadlines.
What have you learned about yourself throughout this process?
I have learned that I can do whatever I have to in order to complete my education. It was important to me to finish school, and I did just that despite the many roadblocks I endured. My own personal motivation and the desire to provide for my children was a more powerful driver than I could have imagined.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Online learning is a great option for anyone. Whether you are a single mom working full-time, a stay-at-home mom, or an older adult trying to get back into school, you can get your education even if you can’t attend a physical university.
If it weren’t for the option of online courses I can honestly say that I very likely would not have even finished my Bachelor’s degree yet, let alone be almost halfway done with my Master’s.
