Student Voices: Samantha, NYC
— Mar 31, 2021
by Anita Roselle
This conversation is the first in a series of informal interviews with online students in various stages of their academic journey.
The student we are talking to today is a Sophomore at Arizona State University and is taking her classes 100% online. This interview took place in March 2021 between Innovator in Residence Anita Roselle and Samantha from New York City, and was conducted entirely on Snapchat.
How long have you been an online student and what is your chosen field of study?
This is my second year and my major is Speech and Hearing Science.
Now that you have some experience taking classes online, what is one thing you wish you had known prior to taking your first class.
I guess it would have been nice to know that there are due dates because initially I thought everything was done at your own pace and you just had to submit by the final deadline.
What is your first choice of resource when you have a timely academic question? For example, Social media, Peer groups, school facility or someone else you trust.
I first go to Reddit!
What is your favorite part about learning online?
I love that I do not have to go into an actual class, and that classes are split into modules.
On the flip side of that, what aspect of your online educational journey has been the most challenging?
I’d say that it has been challenging to do science labs virtually, one reason is because you do not get to experience them hands on.
What online or physical resource do you use that has made your student life easier?
I use Quizlet and rate my Professor
Can you tell me a little bit about how you prepare for a new class? Does it help you to use any tools to help plan out your semester?
I have a big calendar in my kitchen and I also have a daily notebook that helps keep me organized. A few days before class starts, I like to read the syllabus and all other material that is provided to get familiar with it.
What is one piece of advice you can give for other students who are already or considering becoming an online student?
I would say, take the chance and do it! I have found that online school is easier because it allows you to be flexible. Try to get your assignments done as early as possible so that you do not fall behind when something unexpected happens.
I want to thank Samantha for taking the time to give us more insight into her student experience.
About the Student Voices Project Team
We are passionate about improving the student experience through story-telling and shared experiences. We hope to better understand the challenges that online learners face along the way, and celebrate and share the strategies they use to address these challenges.
Innovator in Residence Anita Roselle is a first-generation college student on a personal mission to find the ideal work + life balance. She is passionate about improving each step of the academic journey of non-traditional students in higher education and is thrilled to be collaborating with like minded individuals within the ShapingEDU community. Anita is currently earning her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Communication from Arizona State University.