This post is about me. I hope what you get from this article, as a student, is realization that you are one of thousands (probably millions) of online students, and your education is worth all the hard work. I just want to give you some additional background on me, since I was also a non-traditional student.
I began college right out of high school, at the age of 17. Although the college is in my hometown, I elected to live in a dorm. Needless to say, I'm not an extrovert, and although I did have a few close friends on my floor, I spent most of my time with "townie" friends who didnt' go to college. I flunked out after the first year. I then went to the local community college, but flunked out of that, too!
In 1984, at age 20, I began working full time in the Financial Aid Office at the same college. Before that, I had gone back to the community college and was actually applying myself and getting good grades. Although I could take six hours free at the 4-year public college where I worked, I decided to finish my Associates Degree at the community college.
By the time I began my bachelor's degree at my 4-year college, I was married and had a baby. I started out majoring in elementary education, but it was too much and I was experiencing anxiety attacks. Our college offers a generic degree for non-traditional students, so I changed majors. Many of my classes were independent study back then. I understand how difficult it is to manage time when you're not sitting in a classroom. In 1996, I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree (and a 3.6 gpa). I also understand how life can interfere with education, as I was going through marital problems at the same time.
I had advanced to senior financial aid advisor by the time I decided to get my master's degree in 2001. I had no way of moving up without an advanced degree. I was remarried and trying to settle a blended family, with two children of my own and two step-children, all living with us. I chose Instructional Design and Technology as my degree, which was online courses and a few weekends. It was nothing for me to sit on the computer for up to 35 hours per week. One Saturday, I spent 13 hours online working on classwork. While my family complained, they also understood I had to do it. I empathize with any student taking online coursework. It's much more difficult and time consuming than a regular on-campus course.
In December 2007 I received my Master of Science degree. Just in time, too, because effective yesterday, I was promoted to Associate Director of our office, which is a huge promotion. Had I not completed my master's, I would not have been able to apply for the job. I was in college for a total of 22 years, most of which I worked full time and raised a family. Much like most of you are doing. My whole point is this: hang in there because someday your hard work WILL pay off!