We in the Success Team here at OSU Ecampus do our best to provide information that we think will be helpful for our distance students. Sometimes though, it is nice to hear from someone who is in the program and is an example of what it looks like to be a successful online student. This time we are featuring one of our Ecampus Students from Idaho. Desiree was recently inducted to the OSU chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, a national honor society that recognizes adult students. She is currently studying Political Science, and has maintained a 3.91 GPA in her studies here. We asked Desiree to share some of the things that she does that she feels contributes to her success. Here is what she had to share:

“I have been very lucky to have the support of my husband who works so that I don’t have to and I have a wonderful mother who watched my two children a few days a week so that I can focus on homework. Aside from that what has truly helped me be successful is that I make it a point to always choose classes that I have interest in instead of simply filling requirements. I also use the time I have to do as much as possible, this means getting ahead so that I am always prepared if something comes up and I don’t get the time to work that I thought I might. Many classes provide all the information you need to keep ahead in the syllabus so I always print them and get as far ahead as I can. I keep a calendar right in front of my desk to keep track of due dates and finally I use the resources available to me. Whether it be online tutoring, emailing professors to ask questions or my fellow classmates I sincerely take advantage of everything at my disposal.”

There are many ways to succeed as a distance student, and Desiree has some great advice. Make sure to utilize whatever resources you can. That includes your fellow classmates! You can always pick up new ideas from those that you are learning with. Thanks to Desiree for sharing her secrets with us this week!