Sometimes, the most meaningful connections are not built in grand moments but in quiet, consistent collaboration, a shared doubt after class, a thoughtful message on WhatsApp, or a laugh exchanged during a late-night project call. For Xinyue and Vartika, what started as routine coordination soon became a source of steady support. In a fast-paced online classroom filled with faces and deadlines, they found something real: a friendship that made the learning feel lighter, the growth more personal, and the journey more memorable.
More Than Just Classmates
Xinyue and Vartika met during the Post Graduate Program in User Experience Design by the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, through live sessions and group projects. At first, it was about staying connected after class through WhatsApp or offering each other feedback on assignments. As they interacted more frequently, their bond deepened into something more lasting.
“We had several classes together,” Xinyue shares. “We kept in touch via WhatsApp, and we connected on Instagram and LinkedIn to talk about our future plans.”
Vartika recalls a similar progression. “What started as casual interactions during coursework organically grew into genuine friendships. Xinyue and I even met in person over coffee and dinner in San Francisco, a memory I’ll always cherish.”
Their connection extended well beyond the screen. As peers from different cities and backgrounds, they brought diverse perspectives to every discussion. But what unified them was the shared experience of learning, adapting, and growing through the challenges of upskilling.
Collaboration Turned Connection
Both learners credit group projects as a major factor in helping their friendship grow. “Collaborating on real-world assignments encouraged us to share insights, support each other’s learning, and play to our strengths,” says Xinyue. Frequent check-ins, problem-solving sessions, and shared successes created a foundation of trust.
For Vartika, the structure of the learning environment played a big role too. “Great Learning did an incredible job creating an environment where interaction felt natural. The structured group projects facilitated teamwork and open dialogue,” she says. Working together allowed them to learn not just the curriculum but also how to navigate diverse perspectives and communication styles, skills they both now value as deeply professional as they are personal.
A Support System Beyond the Classroom
As the program progressed, their connection became a support system. “These friendships have provided strong support for my learning and career development,” says Xinyue. “We often share job opportunities, industry insights, and provide each other with feedback on projects or interviews.”
Vartika echoes this sentiment. “It felt good knowing I had peers who truly understood the ups and downs of the program. Professionally, sharing feedback and career goals with people from such diverse backgrounds broadened my thinking and network.”
They also found joy in the smaller, informal moments, sending a message after class, checking in during project deadlines, and encouraging each other through personal milestones. As Xinyue says, “If you are in the same city, go out for dinner together and hang out.” Vartika adds, “It is wonderful to see our online rapport translate so effortlessly into real-world camaraderie.”
Lessons in Learning and Friendship
Both learners emphasize the importance of being proactive when it comes to building peer connections. Xinyue advises, “Take the initiative to connect with your peers. Actively initiate conversations and share your own experiences and questions. It builds community.”
Vartika agrees: “Participate actively in group tasks. Be genuinely curious about your peers. Remember, the program isn’t just about gaining knowledge, it’s also about building a network of people who can inspire, challenge, and support you long after the course ends.”
For Xinyue and Vartika, learning was not just about new skills or credentials. It was about discovering a friendship that brought warmth and meaning to the digital space. In a world where online interactions often feel fleeting, they found something enduring, a reminder that sometimes, the best part of the learning journey is who you take it with.
