Two years ago, we shared the story of John, a returning adult college student who found himself in a state of “limbo” in his college’s new online program. At the time, John was struggling to adapt to the virtual learning environment and was feeling lost and disconnected from his studies. However, as we catch up with John today, we are happy to report that he has successfully overcome his challenges and is thriving in his online education.
When we first met John, he had just enrolled in his college’s online program after taking a break from his studies to focus on his career. He was excited to continue his education and earn his degree, but he quickly realized that the online format was not what he had expected. John had always been a hands-on learner and found it difficult to engage with the material through a computer screen. He missed the face-to-face interactions with his professors and classmates and felt like he was missing out on the college experience.
As a result, John found himself in a state of “limbo.” He was not fully invested in his studies, but he also didn’t want to give up on his dream of earning a degree. He was stuck in a rut and didn’t know how to move forward. However, with determination and support from his college, John was able to turn things around and find success in his online education.
One of the key factors that helped John was the support and guidance he received from his professors. They understood his struggles and were always available to answer his questions and provide extra help when needed. They also encouraged him to participate in virtual discussions and group projects, which helped him feel more connected to his classmates and the course material. John was able to build a strong relationship with his professors, and they became his mentors and cheerleaders throughout his online education journey.
Another crucial element that helped John was the resources and tools provided by his college’s online program. The college had invested in state-of-the-art technology and platforms that made the virtual learning experience more interactive and engaging. John was able to access course materials, participate in virtual lectures, and collaborate with his classmates seamlessly. He also had access to online tutoring and academic support services, which helped him stay on track with his studies.
But perhaps the most significant change for John was his mindset. He realized that he needed to approach his online education differently than he did with traditional classroom learning. He started to view the online format as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. He could now balance his studies with his work and personal life, and he didn’t have to commute to campus, saving him time and money. John also learned to be more disciplined and self-motivated, as online learning requires a high level of self-motivation and time management skills.
Today, John is in his final year of his online program, and he couldn’t be happier with his decision to continue his education online. He has maintained a high GPA and has even been recognized for his academic achievements. John has also become a role model for other adult learners who are considering online education. He shares his experience and offers advice to those who may be struggling, encouraging them to persevere and reminding them that it is never too late to pursue their dreams.
John’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the support of a college community. With the right mindset and resources, online education can be just as fulfilling and rewarding as traditional classroom learning. John’s college has also learned from his experience and has made improvements to their online program to better support adult learners like him.
In conclusion, John’s journey in his college’s online program may have started in “limbo,” but he has emerged as a successful and motivated student. His story is a reminder that with perseverance and the right support, anything is possible. We wish John all the best in his future endeavors and hope that his story will inspire others to pursue their education, no matter their age or circumstances.
