Maximizing students' potential through facilitation is exciting and rewarding. Many students are nontraditional students who come from various backgrounds. Engaging students in a comfortable environment where they feel they are able to focus on reaching their educational goals is essential. I have had many experiences with international students, diverse students, and students with various backgrounds and ages. Providing them an opportunity to learn in an online environment where they are provided the tools and encouragement to succeed can be accomplished in a variety of ways. I believe the most important thing that faculty can do to facilitate student learning in online courses is attempt to make a personal "connection" with the student and to create a "safe" environment. The greatest way to ensure a successful relationship with an individual is to make sure that you create an environment that is safe to ask questions, to be confident to take a risk, and to be our real self.