Online, but not out of touch: A distance learner’s experience

Christine Garcia fondly remembers her time as a UC College of Nursing student. Although she never set foot in Procter Hall — or any other building on campus — the Virginia resident built lasting relationships with faculty and classmates and is a proud UC alumna after completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) last year entirely online.

“Socially, the relationship I built with my classmates sticks out,” she says. “At first, they were strangers, but we grew close and eventually became friends. We would bond over tough times throughout the program, and we finally met in person at graduation.”

In majoring in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Christine was most impacted by Christine Colella, DNP, APRN-CNP, FAANP, professor and executive director of graduate programs at the college.

“Prerecorded lectures can become somewhat of a routine, but her lectures were always very interesting,” Christine Garcia says. “She also gave advice on becoming a nurse practitioner and always remained encouraging, engaging and positive. She is a special gift. I had the honor of meeting her in person at my graduation last year.”