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Leading from Anywhere: How Raven Wilson-Young Builds Connection and Community as an Arizona Online Student

Monday
Caroline Mattos
A graduating student stands outdoors wearing a navy cap decorated with flowers and a white graduation stole with the University of Arizona logo and “Social & Behavioral Sciences” printed on it. She looks back over her shoulder toward the camera, with trees and campus buildings blurred in the background.

At the University of Arizona, online and distance learners are an integral part of the Wildcat community, contributing their talents, perspectives, and leadership to campus life from wherever they are. One student who exemplifies this spirit is Raven Wilson-Young, a graduating senior and president of Associated Students at the University of Arizona Near You, or ASUNY — the student governing body representing online and distance learners.

As a Care, Health and Society major, in the School of Sociology and housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Raven has made an impact not only academically but also through her dedication to advocacy, equity, and student engagement. From leading the United Sorority and Fraternity Council to being actively involved in multiple organizations, she bridges the gap between online and on-campus communities, ensuring every Wildcat feels seen, heard, and empowered. In this Q&A, Raven shares her experiences, insights into the online program, and the lessons she has learned as a student leader.

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself — where you’re from, what you’re studying, and what led you to choose Arizona Online?

I’m a proud Georgia native from Buena Vista, a small rural town in southwest Georgia. I am a dual student who has taken classes both on-campus and through Arizona Online. I am a senior currently pursuing my bachelor's degree with a major in Care, Health and Society and a thematic minor with emphasis on Public health and Business. I plan to use my degree to serve underserved communities through impactful work in public health, social wellbeing, law, and public policy. Throughout my academic journey I’ve been driven by a passion for advocacy, student voice, and community leadership. During my time on campus, I had the honor of serving as the 2024 President of the United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC), where I worked closely with Divine Nine, Multicultural, and other identity-based organizations to champion equity and inclusion. I am also a proud member of the Prestigious Pi Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where I live out the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. I am also a small business owner specializing in photography and graphic design services here in the Tucson area. One of my most important and cherished roles is being a mother, an identity that deeply influences how I lead, advocate, and show up for myself, family, and community. 

My life journey has taught me balance, compassion, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of creating opportunities for others. I chose the University of Arizona, and specifically the online program, because it offered the flexibility, academic excellence, and meaningful community connection I needed as a nontraditional student and mother. Arizona Online gave me the opportunity to balance my commitments while still being deeply involved in campus life, serving in multiple leadership roles, and building strong relationships with students across different learning environments.

As an online student, what do you love most about the Arizona Online program?

What I love most about Arizona Online is the accessibility and intentional design of the program. The structure allows students from all walks of life to thrive, whether they’re balancing work, family, leadership, or personal responsibilities. Even though we learn from a distance, the program never feels distant. Faculty are supportive, courses are engaging, and the flexibility empowers online students to pursue big goals without sacrificing the quality of their education. I love that the same professors for the main campus teach the online courses as well, and online receives the same quality of education as the main campus. Most importantly, it creates space for every Wildcat to belong and contribute, no matter where they log in from.

How has being an online student shaped your perspective on campus involvement, and how do you personally stay connected with the larger U of A community?

Being an online student has expanded my understanding of what “campus involvement” really means. I’ve learned that community isn’t limited by geography, it’s built through intentional engagement, outreach, and communication. I stay connected by serving in leadership roles that directly bridge the gap between online and location-based students, including my past main campus role as the 2024 United Sorority and Fraternity Council President, and current role as the 2025–2026 ASUANY Student Body President. I make it a priority to attend events (virtually and in person), collaborate with campus partners, meet with administrators and student organizations, and maintain strong relationships with students across the university. Through these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand that online students are an essential and vibrant part of the larger U of A community.

How do you balance leadership responsibilities with academics and personal life?

Balance for me is rooted in discipline, communication, and knowing my “why.” I use structure, planning, prioritizing, and keeping a consistent schedule to stay on top of academics while fulfilling my leadership and personal commitments. I’m also intentional about making space for rest, my family, and things that restore me. Most importantly, I remind myself that every role I hold serves a purpose. Whether I’m studying for a course, leading a meeting, or supporting a student, all of it is part of the bigger mission of advocacy and impact. That mindset helps me stay grounded and motivated.

Can you share a moment or project where you felt your work made a real difference for students?

One of the most meaningful experiences has been serving as president of ASUANY, where I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for the needs of online and distance students at a university-wide level. Working on initiatives that give online students more visibility, support, and representation around community-building and equitable access has been incredibly impactful. A standout moment was leading efforts to ensure that online and distance learners have a seat at the table, not just in name but in practice. Seeing students feel heard, valued, and truly part of the Wildcat community reaffirmed why advocacy work matters so deeply to me.

What advice would you give to future online students who want to get involved and make an impact?

My advice is simple: SHOW UP AND SPEAK UP!!!! Your perspective as an online student is valuable and needed. Don’t be afraid to reach out to student organizations, apply for leadership roles, join clubs, apply for internships, attend virtual events or start something new that fills a gap you see. Impact doesn’t always start with a title. It starts with intention. Be consistent, build relationships, and stay true to what you care about, and most importantly BEAR DOWN! There is space for you here, and your voice can make a difference in shaping the future of our community. We are one Wildcat family, and when you lean into that truth, you can create meaningful change.

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