Sheroni spending time with her husband and
their 2-year old daughter at the museum.











Sheroni Cunningham
Age: 25
Middle Georgia State University

Why is completing your college degree important to you?
It will help me excel past current barriers that limit me to jobs that require a degree. [Completing my degree] will also help me be a better example to my daughter to finish what you begin, try your hardest, be honest with yourself and do what is best for you.

Why did you choose to take online classes through eCore?
I am currently a full-time employee at Goodwill of North Georgia, living in Snellville, Georgia. My eCore class allows me flexibility to complete studying at work like a work-study program, allowing webcam interaction with my professor from another wonderful university, who has been extremely helpful thus far. [There is no need to] commute to MGA, which is a two-hour drive from my home and a 3 hour drive from work. I'm able to gain the information I need using all of my time the best I can to gain a degree working from home, work, or wherever I am with my laptop.

How would you describe the instructors you’ve had in your eCore classes?
Excellent. He made himself very accessible through both email and the discussion board, which gives a personal flare. The videos and website have all been helpful in teaching me exactly what I need to know. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course thus far. I actually feel like a chemist, fully grasping all the concepts being taught and gaining full understanding as to how these lessons apply to everyday life.

Besides being a college student, what do you spend your time doing?
Working full-time, being a full-time mother to a very active 2-year-old daughter, and being a full-time wife to my husband of 2 years. I attend church throughout the week and watch services we miss due to work.

How and when do you make time to spend on your schoolwork?
I have my book now so when I am not able to get to a computer, I will study the lessons that are approaching. I will write out the agendas that are to be taught throughout the most current units, gather the most information I can from my book, and then compare the book information to the information provided by my professor. Any information that I need to add to my notes, such as examples and formulas for certain types of solutions, I make time to create those additional notes. I spend most of my free time throughout the week studying: during the morning, my lunch at work, and evening. I spend my off days conquering as much information I possibly can.

What has been the best thing about your eCore experience?
Flexibility. I can pick up where I left off at any given time.


What would you say to someone who is considering taking his or her first online class through eCore?
I would tell them that while it is flexible, it is important that you are committed to your own personal success. Making sure that you understand the information, concepts, formulas, and overall information being presented so that when major tests come around such as midterms and finals, you won't have to stress because you will be sure you know exactly what you need to know. Give yourself time to make sure you have fully studied before all homework and quizzes. Study everything at least three times; you won't go wrong. Communicate with your classmates and professors. While you may be in an online course, by no means are you alone.
What you don’t do in the military: write resumes, interview for a job (normally), and you never negotiate salary and compensation. What you will do during your transition is write resumes, interview for a job and negotiate salary and compensation.

Can you imagine negotiating compensation for your next tour of duty? “Ma’am I am really interested in your offer but can you arrange for me to telecommute on Fridays and get me a free membership at the country club?” And that is not the only hurdle you may have to overcome…some employers have a few ill-perceived notions about you and the military:

You are rigid.
You don’t understand profit and loss.
You have had unlimited resources.
Leading is easy because you just give orders.


    These misled perceptions can create barriers, but a well prepared and focused resume will dispel all of these notions and set you up for success.

    In the latest installment of the eMajor College to Career Webinar Series Randy Blackmon, retired U.S. Navy Captain and eCore/eMajor Senior Enrollment Manager, discusses this and other tips to help military members transition to the civilian workforce.