If you had asked me when I graduated high school if I would be completing my college education through an online school like DeVry - I would've thought you were crazy. However I never thought that without this giant tool called the internet would allow me to learn so much from the chair in front of my computer.
When I began my search for higher education, I knew that I wouldn't be able to take time away from work in order to pursue my goals. I would already be taking out loans to get college squared away, how much more for living? The fascinating part about looking for schools that would provide online classes is that there is such a wide breadth of them out there. From schools that required physical books in your hands, to ones that touted that they could be accessed from any tablet, which wasn't as popular an option 4 years ago.
All of these options from a single internet connection!! I had never felt so overwhelmed and excited by the possibilities in front of me. The choices I would make next would change the course of my life. I actually have one particular person to thank for assisting me in sorting through how I saw myself in the future. She talked with me on the phone for far longer than expected and asked all the hard questions I would've never asked myself. Suzanne Fritch provided me with the grace to look behind me to get to my future. I can, and will never thank her enough.
The joy of finally being in a classroom environment from the comfort of my home was thrilling. I could do things I'd never done before - participate in class at 2am, in my underwear while listening to youtube videos in the back round. It was loose and yet so very regimented at the same time. The biggest take-away from this kind of setting made me realize the importance of time management and where my energy goes. The internet bringing school to me, on my terms and on my time.
Without this wonderful internet, I would be in a different place in my life. I cannot imagine how my life would've been today but I am grateful for the chance to change my future.
Now not that the internet is the perfect - it also comes with its own flaws. The biggest drawback to my relationship to the internet is the level of dependency I have upon it. The moment the internet is out is the moment I have no access to the entirety of my work. That moment is one filled with anxiety and fear that I won't be able to get to it again. This dependence has resulted in a lifestyle where I'm always near an internet connection. Wi-Fi access spots, friends network passwords, 4G supported internet - This is what I need to go forward and that is altogether very scary.
Beyond that fear is something more. I've spent hours reviewing online videos and tutorials. Hours looking for that scholarship that will let me take the next step in my journey.
I just want everyone to take a step back and remember where you might be if you couldn't search that recipe on the spot, if you couldn't find that precious algorithm that is perfect for your recursive function, if you couldn't check a friends status from a glance. It becomes so easy to take it for granted, but I'm grateful for the way online connectivity has changed my life.
