Chapter 1: My Initial Experiences with Online College

Reflecting on my first term in college is quite the journey. At 27, my decision to pursue higher education is rooted in a long and complex backstory. To keep it brief, here are two pivotal reasons: I left high school just before graduation as a rebellious act against my parents after having secured acceptance into several colleges. Additionally, my state's financial aid policies consider parental income until age 26, which meant I received no assistance despite my financial struggles.

Now, before anyone assumes I'm boasting, let me clarify: I’m quite intelligent. I excelled as an honors student, and obtaining my GED was a breeze. Nonetheless, after years away from school, I found myself anxious about starting college, especially in an online format. The flexibility of online learning appealed to me, as I didn’t want to adjust my work schedule for in-person classes. Currently, I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, focusing on early childhood and adolescent development while minoring in Education. My ultimate ambition is to become a clinical therapist, which necessitates a master's degree, hence the minor in education to keep me engaged in teaching while I work toward my goal.

Having just wrapped up my first term, I can confidently say it was incredibly affirming! I’ve achieved a perfect score in one course and a 94 in another. You might think, "Sure, it’s online!" but let me assure you, the first term was quite the challenge. I initially believed it would be a walk in the park, but by week three, I felt overwhelmed, as if I were in a race without a finish line.

Section 1.1: Debunking Common Misconceptions about Online Degrees

From my perspective, there are several misconceptions about online college that need addressing.

1. Online Degrees Are Not Credible

The legitimacy of an online degree hinges on the university's accreditation. If you do your homework and select a reputable institution, your degree will hold value. It's crucial to ensure that the college has proper regional or national accreditation based on your field of study. Be cautious of red flags such as unprofessional communications, dubious school names, or lack of accreditation.

2. Cheating Is Easy

Many assume that online courses are easier because of opportunities to cheat. However, most reputable online programs do not rely on traditional tests and quizzes. Instead, they emphasize written assignments, which are designed to demonstrate your understanding of the material. Plagiarism is taken seriously and can lead to expulsion, just as in traditional settings.

Section 1.2: Staying Motivated in an Online Environment

3. Motivation Can Be a Challenge

It's true that being away from a physical campus can impact motivation. The sheer volume of courses required for graduation can feel daunting. You may encounter varying teaching styles, which can complicate your learning experience. However, determination is key. Utilize therapy, support from friends and family, and online communities to stay motivated.

4. Technology Can Be a Double-Edged Sword

While tools like ChatGPT might seem helpful for writing assignments, educators are well aware of these technologies. Using them to complete assignments is considered cheating and can have severe consequences on your academic record.

5. Perceptions of Online Degrees by Employers

Lastly, concerns about how employers perceive online degrees are common. In reality, as long as your degree is from an accredited institution, it will be respected. Employers focus on your skills and knowledge rather than where you obtained your degree, provided it’s legitimate.

This journey has just begun, but with each term, I continue to grow, learn, and move closer to my goal of becoming a clinical therapist.