Building online college community with Devon Moody-Graham

0:00 (upbeat music) 0:07 - Meet Devon Moody-Graham, an MBA graduate 0:11 and international business strategist. 0:13 Going to college is never a solitary experience, 0:17 even online. 0:18 That's why University of Phoenix offers dedicated support 0:21 from academic counselors, recognized student organizations 0:25 that foster connectivity and networking, 0:27 and upon graduation, 0:29 access to 50 alumni chapters nationwide. 0:33 Devon is one alumni 0:34 who made the most of these opportunities. 0:36 Take it away, Devon. 0:38 (upbeat music continues) 0:43 - Thanks, Alex. 0:45 I'm the proud daughter of a cobbler 0:47 and a cosmetologist, so I guess you can say, 0:49 I was born creative and destined to be a business owner. 0:53 Ever since I was a kid, 0:54 I liked to help people and make money. 0:57 This is still true today. 0:59 When I first learned about the University of Phoenix, 1:01 I was a recent college grad 1:02 and a single mother with an infant. 1:04 I was looking for a flexible master's program 1:06 to accommodate my life as a new mother. 1:09 I started a hybrid MBA program 1:11 while balancing a full-time job, my son, 1:14 and so much uncertainty about the dreams 1:16 that I had for our life together. 1:18 I had no idea then how big a role 1:21 University of Phoenix would play in my life. 1:24 I was the youngest person in my class, 1:26 which included several senior employees 1:28 of a global aerospace company. 1:30 That was huge for networking and learning. 1:33 The classes of the online community let me meet people 1:36 from all walks of life, 1:37 who are in various stages of their careers. 1:40 The impact this had on my life 1:42 and career as a business strategist 1:44 and author has been priceless. 1:46 When it comes to community, 1:48 whether in person or online, you get out what you put in. 1:53 I had such a good experience with my MBA program, 1:56 that I later enrolled 1:57 in a graduate marketing certificate program, 1:59 and this just furthered my knowledge and connections. 2:02 For students entering the online world, 2:04 I will tell them to get to know their instructors, 2:08 look for things they have in common with their peers, 2:10 and connect outside of class. 2:12 The people you meet at the University of Phoenix 2:15 can help you reach your dreams, 2:17 and you can help them reach theirs. 2:19 Back to you, Alex. 2:21 (upbeat music continues) 2:25 - Well said, Devon. 2:26 Your experience underscores how University of Phoenix's 2:30 online format eliminates geographical barriers 2:33 among students to offer both support and connectivity. 2:36 Thanks for sharing. 2:38 (upbeat music)