Discover how CW’s flexible online degree programs empower students to balance work, life, and education. Hear from some of our Online Warriors as they share their distance learning experiences and success stories.
Gabrielle
Finishing my online degree means far more to me than simply earning a diploma—it’s deeply personal. When I first started college in 2014, I was full of excitement and hope, but I had to pause my education because I lacked the financial support and resources to continue. It wasn’t that I couldn’t handle the work; I just didn’t have the help I needed. Watching my friends graduate and move on to successful lives left me feeling like I had failed, and that sense of being stuck stayed with me for years. Now, in 2025, this accomplishment feels monumental. After more than nine years away from school, I took a leap of faith and gave myself a second chance. Balancing school, work, and life hasn’t been easy—I’ve had to push myself beyond my comfort zone—but through it all, I’ve learned patience, focus, and faith in myself. This degree represents more than career growth; it’s proof that I never gave up. It’s also a tribute to those who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. This degree truly means everything to me.
I don’t think I would have had the chance to earn a degree if not for the opportunity to study online. Balancing life’s responsibilities, financial struggles, and the challenges of starting over in a new country has been tough. After migrating to the United States, I faced major setbacks—one college told me my previous credentials held no value, forcing me to start from scratch. I felt devastated and discouraged, ready to give up on higher education altogether. But enrolling at The College of Westchester reignited my hope. Learning online gave me a second chance—to heal, to grow, and to reclaim a dream that once felt out of reach. Although I still wrestle with imposter syndrome, I am proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for the path I’m on.
Ruth
Earning my bachelor’s degree will open new doors and empower me to better serve children and families in my community. It will deepen my knowledge and allow me to pursue a career that provides guidance, support, and hope for those who need it most.
Without the flexibility of online learning, I don’t believe I could have earned my degree. Between working full-time, caring for my children, and volunteering at their school, attending in-person classes simply wouldn’t have been possible—especially with no childcare available after 5 p.m. The ability to study online makes higher education attainable for people like me who juggle multiple responsibilities every day.
Mohammed
Earning my bachelor’s degree in IT will be a true turning point in my life. I look forward to the day I can walk through the halls of The College of Westchester with pride, knowing that I have achieved this milestone.
Even though I would have pursued a degree eventually, it likely wouldn’t have been possible until after completing my current contract with the U.S. military. Online learning made it possible for me to work toward my goal without delay, fitting my studies around my professional commitments.
Vanessa
Completing my degree online offers far more than the convenience of learning from home. As a working professional with a busy schedule, flexibility is crucial—it allows me to complete assignments without disrupting my work or personal responsibilities. Majoring in Health Information Administration at The College of Westchester has given me the chance to pursue my dream field close to home while balancing my career and life. I am grateful for how much I’ve grown personally and professionally through this experience.
Without the option to study online, earning my degree would have been significantly more difficult. The flexibility of online learning has truly made this journey possible.
Shanike
Earning my online degree has had a major impact on my life. As a full-time employee, parent, and student, being able to complete my coursework at night has been a game-changer. It allows me to balance my job, care for my child, and still make progress toward my goals. Juggling so much isn’t easy, but the structure of online learning has given me the opportunity to keep moving forward.
If online learning weren’t an option, I still would have pursued a degree eventually—but it would have taken much longer. I likely would have had to attend part time, stretching the process out over years. Being able to study online has made my dream achievable now, not “someday.”
Tandra
This is my first time taking classes online, and it’s been both different and rewarding. As someone who’s been in school most of my adult life, online learning has been the best fit—it lets me finish at my own pace. Balancing a full-time and part-time job means time management and organization are essential. Returning to CW after 11 years feels like a full-circle moment. I’m grateful for the online options—without them, I wouldn’t have been able to earn my degree after moving to Virginia.
Kimberly
Earning my degree will positively impact my life in so many ways. It provides financial stability for my family while also building structure, discipline, and consistency. The flexibility of online learning lets me study at my own pace and balance both my personal and professional life.