As one can imagine my job keeps me pretty busy: flying, keeping track of meetings, ensuring training syllabi and courseware are in tip-top, world-class condition. But these aren't the only things I strive to maintain; I work hard at obtaining a quality education as well. Those who know me will tell you that education is very important to me. Up to this point I've been able to secure a total of four associate degrees under four different disciplines or studies. The plan, as of right now, is to graduate with a baccalaureate degree from Oklahoma City University, and continue my education at Oklahoma University beginning Fall 2011. So one must wonder at this point—how am I able to do all of this; what keeps me motivated.
We all understand that an education is instrumental to a successful life. We further understand that employers seek education as well as experience in future employees. We are no longer in a time where a high school diploma is the ticket; but rather, bachelor degrees have become the new standard. Having a Masters degree has become the new way of establishing oneself apart from the norm or standard. Of course there's always the danger of over qualifying oneself. At any rate, these are the things that drive me to strive. These are the things that keep me centered and my eyes on the ball. Living in a competitive world.
While keeping my eyes on the ball, life as a working student is no easy feat; in fact, it can be truly exhausting (depending on how classes and flight schedules align themselves). Obviously, the hope is that they don't collide or line-up in a way that will maximize fatigue. Sometimes this is truly unavoidable. The unique thing about being a working student that's different from that of being a traditional student is that most of us appreciate the value of an education; we want to engage the onslaught of academia, unlike most fresh-out-of-high school students, whose parents (in some cases, not all) have given them no choice.
Personally, at the end of the day, I get a sense of gratification knowing that I work so hard at making myself a better person and a better citizen.
-Rick
I am truly impressed and I admire the fact that you have worked so hard to attain and maintain your education, not to mention your career with the military. I have no doubt that after you retire from the Air Force (I assume since you have already served 16 years), that you will be able to go far no matter what field you go in to, especially with your fortitude and drive. Your writing is not bad either.
ReplyDeleteI will have to agree with you that the working student does seem to appreciate their education somewhat more than the traditional student. I think that is due to the maturity level plus the fact that most of us have to pay our own way, whether it be by taking out loans or paying for one class at a time. Like you, I too strive to get my education (although for much different reasons), and I am proud of my acheivements.
You have a formal way of writing, a quality that I am sure makes you excellent in your occupation. I wonder if you were that way before you joined the military, or did it help to refine that attribute? I am envious of those who seem well organized and concise as I am all too often going in ten different directions at any given time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and the previous poster that older students seem to take on the challenge of academia with a more ernest and appreciative attitude, likely for a multitude of different reasons. I think we also regale in our accomplishments more intensely as well. We know too often the value of sacrifice: sacrifice of time with family, money, sleep, etc.
I greatly agree with your comments and feel like as working students we are a different breed and that we need to sacrifice more than others, because we know how hard things can be without a formal education and working jobs we don't really want to do.
ReplyDelete“Personally, at the end of the day, I get a sense of gratification knowing that I work so hard at making myself a better person and a better citizen.” That’s the essence of a working student’s perception as part of his/her reflection about their situation. Also, there is much homage on the value of education for every individual and the motivation to keep on moving forward and finish his/her goal.
ReplyDeleteCarmella Bezio