By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Returning to school after a 20-year hiatus proved to be a leap of faith for Sharon Marshall.

Marshall, a Natchez native, took that leap in 2007 when she returned to school to receive her undergraduate degree.

“I went to Alcorn State University after high school, but I did not stay at that time,” Marshall said. “I went to work for the Natchez Police Department and stayed there for 21 years.”

Marshall took courses for her undergraduate degree at both Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn. She finished with a bachelor’s degree of science in nutrition and dietetics in the spring of 2012.

“It was rough at times,” Marshall said. “I was determined to get my education.”

The daughter of a minister, Marshall said she prayed her way through this time in her life, especially before entering graduate classes and writing her book, “Strategies for success in an online graduate class.”

“I really felt like God put this book in my spirit,” Marshall said. “I spent the entire day in prayer with Him before working on the book.”

Marshall said that she had taken a total of five online classes before she began dealing with graduate courses.

“Graduate courses are much more demanding,” Marshall said. “I think some people may not know just what is expected of them, and that is why I wrote the book.”

Marshall enrolled in Grand Canyon University, a private Christian college, in the fall of 2012. Two years later, she completed a masters’ degree in public health.

In the course of her studies, Marshall said she often had to take breaks from the intense course work, and she discusses that in her book.

“I cover many different topics that I think were vital to my success,” Marshall said. “I stress the importance of eating healthy, resting and exercising.”

Marshall did well in her online classes.

“If I could pick one class to take in a classroom setting it would be biostatistics,” Marshall said. “It was very difficult, and I think it would have been beneficial to be in class with the instructor.”

Marshall said that the overall experience was a positive one.

“I made a lot of friends,” Marshall said. “Through the courses, I developed friendships that I maintain through social media.”

Marshall said that she never thought about writing a book before.

“I felt this book was divinely inspired,” Marshall said. “I spent a week writing it and a week editing it.”

Writing the book was not a difficult process for Marshall.

“I typed the document in Microsoft Word and uploaded it in Amazon,” Marshall said. “It was formatted for Kindle, and I even designed my own cover using Amazon Cover Creator.”

Marshall said the purpose of her book was to help others achieve success in online classes.

“I wanted to let people know what to expect,” Marshall said. “I wanted to provide them with some insight and useful tips.”

Marshall’s family and friends have been supportive.

“My family is expecting a copy of the book,” Marshall said. “They want me to autograph them.”

Marshall plans to have copies printed.

“I will probably do a book signing at some point,” Marshall said. “I will personally autograph each copy.”

Marshall is looking forward to the future.

“I am excited about what God has in store for me,” Marshall said. “I am working on some things with my book and with my career, and I am very happy about all of it.”

The book is available on Kindle and as an e-book through Amazon.com.