Similar to most high school students, I was ready to leave home and begin my perfect college experience. You know, the one all 90’s kids saw when they watched ABC Family’s Greek. I would rush, join clubs, take on challenging classes, and maintain a 4.0 GPA with perfect hair, just like Casey Cartwright. However, that never happened. Yes, I attended my top choice for two years, rushed a sorority, and there were a few days where my hair was not in a bun; as for the perfect college experience though, let's just say I’m still waiting for that.
After two years away at school and one year as a commuter student, I realized I was still not happy with how the college experience was turning out. Suffering from anxiety makes everyday activities incredibly strenuous, so there was no surprise that it just about ruined three years of college for me; and after having a full blown, ugly cry breakdown following a meeting with my academic advisor, I realized a college campus just wasn’t for me.
I had been taking online summer courses through the school where my father worked, but before that breakdown, I had never considered becoming a full-time student at an online school. Apparently, I also forgot to think how perfect it would be for me.
With an online school, you have the freedom to be more than just a student. When you attend classes on a college campus, you live by your course schedule. Be in this building, at this time, on these days. That didn’t work for me. There are days when my anxiety is so cruel I cannot bring myself to get out of bed. With online classes though, all you need is a computer and an internet connection. EVERYTHING ELSE IS ONLINE! Besides textbooks, because I still find myself spending hundreds of dollars on books that I end up not even using (typical).
On a serious note though, everything you need is right at your fingertips. You still get almost all of the benefits of a college campus: there are still course notes created by your professor, a school library for research, academic advisors, and a commencement ceremony once you’ve completed your degree. Essentially, an online school is everything you could want or get from a college campus, but you are not forced to attend classes two and three times a week where all you would do is doodle in a notebook anyway.
Whether you are like me and anxiety has controlled your college experience, someone who is unsure about being on a college campus, or you have other full-time plans along with attending school, online classes may be the right choice for you!
