Danielle Smith could not have imagined a better place than the University of Georgia to earn a degree in Special Education.

Having moved to Athens, Georgia, at the beginning of eighth grade, Danielle understood the significance of a degree from the University of Georgia. She started the Special Education online program while working as a substitute teacher at Athens Christian School and she graduated just last week. Having all of her classes online allowed her to spend more time teaching in a classroom, rather than simply sitting in a classroom to learn.

 

Q: Where are you from?

Danielle: I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but I moved to Athens, Georgia, at the start of my eighth grade year because my dad got a promotion which required to be on site at his company.

 

Q: Where do you work now and what do you do?

Danielle: I just signed a contract to work at Monroe area high school for the 2017-2018 school year. I will also be coaching with their varsity softball and basketball teams. This was the school that I was placed at during the 2016 2017 school year for my practicums B and C.

 

Q: What made you decide to earn your degree from the University of Georgia?

Danielle: There were a number of factors that contributed to my decision in choosing the University of Georgia. I married my sophomore year in college, and choosing an online program allowed me to both have a family, and get real life work experience while obtaining a degree in my field. The University of Georgia is one of the only colleges in the state which offers an online special education general curriculum program. This was a perfect fit for my situation, so the University of Georgia was clearly the best choice for me. I also went to high school in Athens, so I understood the significance of a degree from UGA in this area, and across the nation, and I could not think of a better place I could have completed my undergraduate education.

 

Q: What advice would you give current or future online students?

Danielle: My best advice upcoming online students would be manage your time wisely! During the time you’re not spending in physical classroom, make sure that you’re out in the real world volunteering, helping in the community, and expanding your realm of knowledge by experiencing as many new things as possible. Sometimes, it might feel like your education is a little bit isolated, but if you make an effort to involve yourself with people who are going to encourage you, strengthen you, and help you succeed in life, then you will really have a better quality education than a student who might be on campus.