Student Spotlight - Carmen M. Oren

Just when you think you're going through all the hardest things in life alone, turns out you're not! I've met some of my dearest friends through online schooling.

What advice do you have for students who are learning online for the first time?

My advice to students that are first time online-learners is to organize out how the quarter might look as best as you can in your mind. Design and organize a time and place of where you will dedicate yourself and your time to only doing school work.

For me, I work full-time and I also have 3 children; knowing the things I can't change before the quarter (like my own personal life hurdles) has helped me be able to design when and where I will work every day. Sometimes, I may only need an actual hour of time on my computer to finish everything that I need to get done, but I still try to allot a solid 2-3 hours every day, even if I finish everything in half of the time.

Also, just because you don't have any assignments due that specific day... don't wait until the last minute! Work ahead if you can! If you didn't use the whole time, look out 2-3 days, sometimes even a week ahead and start prep working for what is ahead in your assignment schedule/calendar. Working ahead has helped me be able to free up days here and there to do a "day off" if possible and spend that quality time with my family before being busy again on my computer.

Most importantly, never forget to take time for yourself. Even if it's just 30 minutes... just stop everything and do something that you love to do. For me it's yoga or exercise. It's a good time to stop the craziness of the world around me and do something that feels good for my body that is outside of parenting, working, and being a student.

What equipment do you have at home for online learning?

At home I have a laptop that I can pick up and carry to any room in my house where I can sit and study or do homework in a quiet setting in my home. I also have a pair of noise cancelling headphones that help quiet the sound that is going on in different rooms and helps me from getting distracted. At my main desk area I also have some of my favorite pictures and my favorite candle. When I'm feeling stressed out, sometimes the ease of just seeing my family and knowing I'm doing all of this for them and for myself keeps my mind at ease and my heart happy.

What did you choose Everett Community College?

I chose to attend EvCC because of its reputation and amazing professors. I have had an amazing experience at Everett CC and anytime I have ever needed help, getting it has been easy and stress free. Everyone is always more than willing to lend a helping hand especially when things go awry.... and trust me they will at some point! It happens to all of us. Just know that the resources at EvCC are plentiful and everyone is more than able/willing to help if they can.

What are you studying?

This quarter is my last quarter at EvCC and I will (hopefully) be graduating in June with an Associates of Arts and Science DTA for the nursing program. I plan to apply to Everett's nursing program but also to Seattle University and University of Washington's nursing programs.

What has been your favorite online class, and why?

Loaded question.... I have loved a lot of my online classes but 2 of my favorites were my Childhood Development/Education and Philosophy classes.

One of my favorite things about online classes are the discussion boards. It leads to some fun conversations and also the opportunity to meet new friends via the online world that are going through all the same things you are. Just when you think you're going through all the hardest things in life alone, turns out you're not! I've met some of my dearest friends through online schooling that I have gotten to share this journey with over the last few years and we get to talk about anything and everything together about a class; including frustrations and enjoyments of the class.