Student Testimonials
Tamra Boone
Paul D. Camp Community College
When I first made the decision to take online classes, I did it out of curiosity, my preference was for face-to-face. Being online forced me to get out of my comfort zone, to communicate with my professors and develop a virtual relationship with them and my peers. This experience built my self-confidence and helped me to become a better communicator. The class format also helped me to develop new technology skills, which were helpful in the transfer process to VCU.
Jonoven Savage
Paul D. Camp Community College
With each of my online classes, the professors did an awesome job communicating assignments and providing any and all help I needed. I was also able to take Psychology 216 online at Northern Virginia Community College, while continuing to take classes through my local campus, Camp Community College. This was a great experience because I needed the class for my degree, however at the time, it was not offered at Camp. Enrolling for the class online at NOVA was a smooth and easy experience.
Grace Bakeman
Reynolds Community College
My online class experiences have enabled me to take additional credit hours, beyond what my in-person schedule would have accommodated, and to work at my own pace. They’re rigorous – they require in-depth study of the course material and emphasize discussion-based learning among all students involved.
Courtney Ayers
Southside Virginia Community College
I really enjoyed the online courses through SVCC – they’re well-planned and laid out in a way that’s easy to follow. The workload was just enough so I could finish everything without feeling like I was being rushed. I need that kind of flexibility, so that I can work three jobs while earning my associate degree.
Jonathan Bhojwani
Northern Virginia Community College
Online learning is sometimes underrated because it is not the “classical” learning experience. For me, however, all of my professors have done an amazing job of making online classes feel more personal. Almost every course I have taken has PowerPoints, lecture videos, video conferences, and/or discussion forums with both teachers and students. The classes allowed me to move through the material at my own pace, which is a huge benefit for SmartPath (formerly Dual Enrollment) students like myself. Getting started with online learning was very easy.
Ryan Bhojwani
Northern Virginia Community College
While at first it may seem like a challenge to take an online course, NOVA makes it very easy by requiring each student to take a 1-credit online development class that walks you through how to learn online. The professors were helpful and made sure their directions were clear. The classes were also very organized, so it was easy to understand the expectations. Overall, my online learning experience with NOVA was the best educational experience I have had in my life so far.
Todd Hill
Southwest Virginia Community College
Taking online classes was one of the best things I ever did. The online classes through Southwest Virginia Community College prepared me for the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of my law school classmates have never taken online courses and do not know how to discipline themselves. Taking online classes taught me more than academics. I learned about my personal strengths and weaknesses. I was able to become a more disciplined student throughout my academic career and develop learning tactics I could apply to any class.
Melanie Harber
Mountain Empire Community College
I obtained my associate’s degree in general studies at Mountain Empire Community College almost entirely online. I chose to learn online because I have a family and a full-time job. I think the use of discussion boards and responsive professors made the classes feel personal. I ended up graduating MECC as an honor student and Exceptional Graduate, becoming the first in my family to obtain a college degree.
Navigator Testimonials
LaTrisha McCargo
Off Campus Site Coordinator
Southside Virginia Community College
When I came to Southside Virginia Community College in my early 30s, I was afforded opportunities that I believed were out of my reach. I met people who became mentors, lifelong friends, people who pushed me to be what they saw in me, but I couldn’t see it for myself. I want to provide that motivation for my students because sometimes all we need is someone who sees when we ourselves are blinded by life.
Katie Brown
Testing Services Specialist
Northern Virginia Community College, Ed.M Technology in Education
In working with students, I often find that their biggest misconception is that you can’t learn as much in online classes as you can with in-person classes. What they don’t realize is that with online classes, students are more responsible for learning, and they get as much (or as little) as they put in. When students work hard – and acknowledge that they’re in the driver’s seat for their own education – these classes become a great opportunity to excel.
Charlene Jones
College Navigator
Rappahannock Community College
Students tend to think that online classes are not as rigorous or they won’t learn as much. I’ve found, however, that every academic situation – whether online or in-person – requires the commitment to study and manage time so assignments are submitted on time. If you put in the time and effort, you’re bound to benefit from the experience.
Phyllis Bartley
Student Services Assistant
Mountain Gateway Community College
Navigating the college entrance process can be intimidating and stressful for students. I like to provide a welcoming place for students when they need help – the kind of place I would want if I were in their shoes.
Lisa Haywood
College Success Coach
Southwest Virginia Community College
The first thing I tell students who come to me seeking advice is to breathe. I encourage them to introduce themself to their instructors and to not be afraid to ask for help. Then, we talk through support tactics like breaking down big projects into manageable pieces and utilizing free tutoring. Ultimately, when students make a plan for completion, leverage available resources and believe in themselves, we can face the barriers together.