Online Learning Fulfills Dream of Writing Success and More

Martine Diss

Martine Diss always wanted to be a better writer, and to get a university degree.

However, living in exotic places like the Philippines makes traditional learning impossible. Martine follows her spouse, a top-level chef, to exotic resort jobs around the globe.

By taking her writing course online, Martine was able to study in a respected program, New York based Gotham Writer's Workshop, from the other side of the planet. Meanwhile, she's continuing her bachelor's studies online through a university in Australia.

Even on a remote island
Martine discovered that she can pursue both her passion - creative writing - and her bachelor's degree online, from her home on a remote Philippine island.

World Wide Learn caught up with Martine to get her tips for online learning success . . .

World Wide Learn:	Why did you want to continue your education?
Martine Diss:	Shortly after high school in 1989, I began a Social Science degree, but lost motivation to complete it. When we were living in Bali, at the age of 32, I decided I wanted to complete the degree by correspondence. I had always regretted not finishing my university education.
World Wide Learn:	What made you decide to do it via online learning?
Martine Diss:	My husband's work as a chef took us to Bali and now the Philippines. Being away from family and friends, and unable to work here, I decided to make the most of it, complete my degree and get some qualifications while living in a remote location. There are some fantastic distance education courses available. They are so well set up.
World Wide Learn:	So you're busy pursuing a bachelor's, what led you to the Gotham Writer's course?
Martine Diss:	My husband surprised me with the fiction writing course as a birthday present. He knew I was interested in pursuing writing and felt I would really enjoy the course, which I did.
World Wide Learn:	What led to the selection of the particular course?
Martine Diss:	My husband searched the Internet, wanting to find a highly regarded writing course, which had a really good reputation for online learning.
World Wide Learn:	What was the writer's workshop experience like. How did you get started?
Martine Diss:	All instructions were sent to my email address a couple of weeks prior to the start of the course. It was all set out very clearly.
World Wide Learn:	What was the online atmosphere like?
Martine Diss:	The school was very welcoming, and encouraged any questions and queries. There was also opportunity for online chat with other students, which made it feel more like a classroom environment. All class members submitted a short biography for everyone to read. That made everyone seem more familiar.
World Wide Learn:	What strategies did you use to succeed in the course? Did you have a dedicated place to do your homework?
Martine Diss:	There were weekly assignments to be completed, so I made the decision to put aside at least an hour per day to devote to the course. I just made a pact with myself to devote the time to the task. It wasn't difficult to stay motivated, as the class was so enjoyable. I also used the local library here, purely as a quiet place to write.
World Wide Learn:	What sort of involvement did you have with the instructor?
Martine Diss:	There was a lot of personal interaction with the instructor, as she gave us personal feedback on our weekly assignments online. She also made herself available for class discussions, and we all had her email address, if we needed to ask her any questions.
World Wide Learn:	What challenges did you face during the course?
Martine Diss:	Doing creative writing there is always the challenge of writer's block, which can be very frustrating. I just kept buoyant and stayed confident that the ideas would keep flowing, which they did, with the help of the weekly lectures and tips from the instructor.
World Wide Learn:	What advice would you give someone who's considering this type of course?
Martine Diss:	Not to start any course half-heartedly! You must make the decision to be fully committed to completing the course in order to get the most out of it.
World Wide Learn:	In the end, what did you gain from the course?
Martine Diss:	My goals were to just enjoy the course, have fun, and develop my writing skills. I also hoped for some positive feedback on my work, which I received. So all my goals were accomplished.
World Wide Learn:	So it was a successful experience . . .
Martine Diss:	It was an incredible boost to my self-confidence. Receiving positive feedback from both the instructor and other students on my writing was such a buzz! The desire to write and show others my work was always a fantasy. Doing the course made it a reality.
World Wide Learn:	So now you're continuing your bachelor's degree online. What do you hope to do with your education once you graduate?
Martine Diss:	I plan to then do a master's degree and work in welfare/community work and counseling. I've always been interested in this type of career. I have done a lot of volunteer work helping people with disabilities, both in Australia and Bali, when we lived there for 2 years. It is extremely rewarding work.

Imagine this as your classroom!

Learn Here! Imagine this as your classroom!
Martine's experiences teach us that you really can learn anywhere, anytime with online learning!