By Whitney Hadiwono Ibarra
As a Student Support Specialist III on Calbright’s Persistence team, which helps students stay on track to meet their goals, I directly support students across all of our programs. Thanks to Calbright’s tuition-free, online education model, we serve a diverse student population – including individuals who work part- or full-time, parents, caregivers, and those who may not have taken a class in decades.
The most successful Calbright students I have met are not the most tech-savvy or experienced. They are the ones who stay connected, ask questions, take ownership of their learning, and most importantly, give themselves grace.
These are qualities many students already have when they enroll, but they are also skills that Calbright Student Support Specialists work with our students to help develop. With the right guidance and a little effort, anyone can use the flexibility we offer to find the success they need.
We are excited to support you on this journey. Jumping into a fully online, self-paced program isn’t always easy. Based on what I have seen and heard from current students and alumni, here are some tips and resources to help you succeed throughout your Calbright programs.
Fitting Coursework into Your World
I know from personal experience that the virtual learning space is not the easiest for everyone and takes time to adapt to. When I was taking graduate courses during COVID-19, I struggled to stay on top of my readings. Here are some tools that helped me — and might help you, too:
- Calendar/Planner: Whether you prefer a physical planner, whiteboard, or a digital calendar on your phone or email, blocking out time each week for coursework is a great way to stay on track. It also helps you balance everything else you’re doing — like work, caregiving, errands, and more. I like to use a physical planner with different color markers to visually see my week.
- Pomodoro Technique: One method that helped me stay focused was the Pomodoro Technique. You study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you earn a longer break of 15–30 minutes. Knowing a break was coming made studying feel more manageable. You can adjust the timing to fit your day!
Learning Online Learning
When technology stumps you, we’re here to help! Calbright uses several different platforms to deliver a comprehensive learning experience, and even those who are comfortable with technology often need support or have questions. If you ever have questions, know that you are not alone. I speak with dozens of students each week who need help with technology, whether it’s platform-specific or general.
Our Tutoring and Learning Center offers personalized tech support. Currently Enrolled students can check their event calendar and take advantage of any workshops or appointments that could be helpful. They can also email them directly at tutoring@calbright.org with any questions.
From Isolation to Connection
We know that learning online can feel isolating. Without a physical campus or in-person interactions, it is easy to feel disconnected, and that can lead to self-doubt. I get it! Even as a Calbright staff member working remotely, I have felt that way, too. But the truth is, you are not alone. Here are some ways to stay connected:
- Join Slack: Slack is a messaging and collaboration space where you can chat, share resources, and even start video calls (called “huddles”) with staff, faculty, and fellow students. Find your Calbright community on Slack! Once you’re enrolled, it’s easy to get started on Slack and Student Support Specialists can get you connected.
- Meet a Success Counselor: Every Calbright student has a personal success counselor who knows their situation. If you ever want to talk about anything you are going through, academic or personal, reach out to your Success Counselor. They are here to listen and give you resources to set you up for success.
- Connect with the Persistence Team: We’re here to support you throughout your journey. We check in on you during your program, and you are always welcome to email us at progress@calbright.org. Whether you need direct support or help connecting to the right resources, we have got your back.
Every Step Counts
Success at Calbright does not always look like lightning-fast progress or mastering content overnight. Sometimes, success means finding 20 quiet minutes to finish an assignment while caring for a loved one. Sometimes, it means asking for help when things get tough. Often, it is logging in and doing just one module, even on your busiest days.
Calbright’s flexible, supportive, and student-centered model makes education accessible. But it’s your perseverance that makes it possible.
Ready to start your journey or get help from a Calbright Student Support Specialist? Enroll today.
