As an online Comp I facilitator for a mid-sized college, many students start the course lacking in several areas of soft skills. The development of self-esteem, time management, self-awareness, and personal responsibility are vital to the success of the online course and, truthfully, with any college class. Generally, the students hold a job and already have these skills to some degree, but may not understand how or why these skills should be used in an online enviroment. The frustration (and sometimes fear!) of the writing and research composition entails are significant factors that I strive to continually defeat. Building this bridge for the students calls upon my own skills of patience, commitment, flexibility, and adaptability are often called on to nearly extreme extents. The danger here lies between being understanding vs. students taking advantage of the perceived 'weakness' or 'slackness' that they may feel I project. The true test is to be fair and use soft skills, but project the same self-awareness and personal integrity that I attempt to foster with my students. Sometimes, since I do not see the students personally, it is difficult and mistakes/misunderstandings take place. Any insight on how to improve the bond between student and facilitator could be enlightening.