Ellie Ferreira, B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2023
Mar 23, 2023, 11:00 AM.
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A full-time student, working mom, FIU SGA representative and FIU Online ambassador maximizes her learning experience.
FIU senior Ellie Ferreira admits that she questioned if school was right for her. It took her a long time to finish her associate degree at Valencia College, but something changed when COVID-19 forced classes to go online. She “knocked it out,” she says, and was ready for more. The pandemic came with some existential thoughts.
“I kind of got a little scared. I was like, what are we going to do? Who am I? Everybody was scared and I was especially worried because I had a toddler,” she recounts. Her solution was to immerse herself in learning and connecting with others. She applied to FIU.
Criminal justice major
As a transfer student, Ferreira, who was born in Miami, always dreamed of attending FIU. Her family moved to Orlando when she was 13, but she kept the university in the back of her mind. Then life happened. She had a baby and got married to her high school sweetheart. Today, she juggles time between school, work and motherhood while pursuing a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a pre-law certificate.
“I don't have to log in at certain times—it's just easier for me. I'm able to do things with my son. I'm able to do things on the go. I'm always on the go somewhere doing something. But flexibility is the best thing,” she notes.
Online experience
Completing a degree online, she asserts, is not easier than face to face, as it does require discipline, self-control and time management. However, online learning was the only way, Ferreira affirms, and with a full load of classes, she feels completely immersed in student life.
In addition to being an FIU Online ambassador, Ferreira recently campaigned for FIU’s Student Government Association to represent online students—and won. Initially, she was not sure if she wanted to run for SGA, but her mother and husband both said it would be good for her application to law school.
Ferreira wants to attend FIU’s Law School to feed her interest in the judicial process and how it applies to crime.
“Three years ago, I never thought this would be me,” she says as she looks forward to her graduation later this year. “I never thought that being an online student, I would be able to be so involved in school.”
Ferreira explains that you can also be as involved as you like, even in classes by using Zoom to meet with professors. “FIU professors are always willing to help you, always willing to set up Zoom calls with you. So, you get that one-to-one kind of experience,” she highlights.
Get connected
FIU has a full range of ways online students can get involved. Ferreira uses the Panther Connect app to find the things she is interested in. She joins a WhatsApp chat group for each class, and she frequently reaches out to find out what classmates are up to.
“It's really just exploring—go online and look for everything. Don't be afraid of talking to people,” she advises and declares that as part of her ambassadorship and SGA role, she will work to help increase engagement among online students.
Put education to use
When she enrolled at FIU, Ferreira recalls how proud her dad was. He repeatedly exclaims, “Look at you!” with pride. Her family offers the encouragement and support she needs to fulfill her educational goals.
Classes for Ferreira are becoming a little more challenging since she is moving into higher level courses as a senior, but she says that it is all still “doable.” Her favorite class so far was Critical Thinking, which offered her immediately applicable skills that she applies to her job and coursework. She also uses the skills she learned in her Interpersonal Relations course as she looks for a position in the justice field.
Ferreira reassures other students about transferring and charging forward with a full load of classes and student life. She says if she can do it, so can others.
“Sometimes, there are so many obstacles, and you think you’ll get back to school—but just do it. You're going to get it done. Now is the best time,” Ferreira sums up.
