Apparently for me, a master’s degree was not enough. Now, besides my normal life as a full-time educator and mother, I am once again, a full-time student.

It all began with an innocent search for online programs. If I was going to get a doctoral degree, I knew I would again utilize the online format because my busy life demands that kind of flexibility. Next thing I knew, I had fallen in love with a school, and applications and transcripts were being mailed.

The difference this time was that the program contained a classroom element. One week each semester, my fellow classmates and I would gather in northern California before entering the online domain. This of course equaled another expense, not to mention organizing life at home so that my four boys were taken care of while I was gone. All the details were worked out, and in August, I went to my first in-person college class since 1993.

I am an online fanatic – most of my friends live far away, so I spend more time on Facebook than at dinner parties. However, the face-to-face element of this program has been wonderful. As I read people’s coursework and discussions, I can hear their voices and see their faces and expressions in their writing. I know more about their personal lives than their work lives. In short, my fellow students are quickly becoming close friends and colleagues.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not putting down online schools. Instead, I’m realizing how little I reached out to fellow students while doing my online only master’s program. If I could give advice to women attending school online, it would be this: Get to know some of your fellow students. Use Skype, e-mail, phone calls, or whatever works to support one another outside of the classroom. Create bonds that will help you get through your program. You may be sitting at home alone, but you are far from alone in the process.