In a global pandemic that transformed education, Lauren Higgins from Celina, Ohio, embarked on a unique academic journey. Unlike many of her peers who experienced sporadic online classes, Higgins’ entire university experience unfolded entirely through
a screen — a journey characterized by adaptability and unexpected opportunities.
Higgins’ higher education journey took an unexpected turn during her senior year of high school. Eager to immerse herself in campus life and forge connections with fellow students at her new university, she had initially planned for an in-person experience. However, the shift to online learning drastically altered her path. Her first year, at a different institution, became a whirlwind of virtual lectures and unforeseen challenges. Amid this chaos, Higgins realized that her first choice of major, marketing, no longer fit her interests.
“I found that I enjoyed the writing side of things more than marketing, which led me to explore public relations,” she explains. When she discovered her current institution couldn’t fully accommodate her new major online, Higgins decided to transfer to The University of Akron (UA), which offered a comprehensive, online public relations program.
The move to UA was driven by both practicality and a desire for a more tailored educational experience. “I moved back home, saved money and found a program that aligned with my new interests,” Higgins says. Her new home environment, complete with a new puppy named Maple, provided a degree of stability amid the pandemic’s ongoing uncertainty.
The transition wasn’t solely academic; it also involved adjusting to life with a puppy. Maple’s playful antics occasionally disrupted Higgin’s studies, adding a layer of chaos to her already busy schedule. “Sometimes I had to put her in her crate while I recorded speeches and it was just chaotic,” said Higgins reflecting on the mix of frustration and amusement that marked her early online experience.
As Higgins navigated her online coursework, she met the common struggles of remote learning, such as balancing group projects and keeping motivation.
“Group work online is a love-hate relationship. It’s challenging when people can ghost you or when schedules don’t align,” she admits. Despite this, she managed to stay connected with classmates through phone calls and online group chats. Higgins is set to graduate from UA in December 2024, but she didn’t set foot on campus until the summer of 2024. After spending the summer working on a class project for a public relations course, she finally had the opportunity to experience the campus in person.
“It was amazing. Julie Cajigas, one of my professors, took me around and made me feel welcome. The campus is beautiful, and seeing the historic buildings was a real treat,” she shares.
Higgins also took a semester off to work as a flight attendant, a role that brought both thrilling experiences and logistical challenges. Balancing flight schedules with schoolwork proved too demanding, leading her to refocus on finishing her degree.
As she approaches graduation, Higgins reflects on her unconventional academic journey with a mix of pride and relief. “It’s been a rollercoaster. My whole college experience has been a bit traumatic, but I’ve made the best of it,” she says. Her perseverance has paid off, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Organizational Communication and a certificate in Applied Political Communications.
Higgins is actively seeking job opportunities to secure her post-graduation position. She aims to use her degree to become a travel coordinator, drawing on her understanding of the airline industry and her minor in Organizational Communication.
Higgins’ story is a testament to the adaptability and resilience needed to navigate the digital age of education. Her journey through online learning, marked by both successes and challenges, displays the evolving landscape of higher education and the unique paths students like her are forging.
Story by Bree Sabin