thoughts on returning to school: online
I recently had to write a short paper discussing my decision to return to school. I figured since I haven’t posted anything for some time, I’d throw this out there…
Taking Classes Online at APUS: My Reasons and My Means
As far back as I can remember, I have been an avid “learner.” I have always enjoyed learning new things, from simple trivia facts to complex theoretical ideas and philosophies. This has been especially true when it comes to learning about other civilizations and their histories. I am, without doubt, both amazed and fascinated by the innumerable riches in people and culture that our planet has to offer. This desire to learn more about the world around me has inspired me to want to work in any field which would offer me the ability to travel and visit other locations different than the United States that I am used to.
Because I was married at a young age, and also because my first son was born before I had even thought about what I wanted to do with “the rest of my life”, I have always been considered a non-traditional learner. Both my home and work lives have always had to be my number one priorities, leaving my education to be merely a “spare time hobby.” It wasn’t until 2000, when my second child was born, that I finally made the decision to return to school. I was fortunate enough, at the time, to be able to attend school full-time without having to hold a part-time job.
Computers and technology have always just kind of come naturally to me. So in 2002, I graduated from, then, DeVry College of Technology in North Brunswick with an Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems. Upon graduation, the job market in just about any field of technology that I was qualified to enter was saturated, at best. In addition, it was becoming increasingly difficult to support our family on my husband’s salary alone. This left me no other choice but to reenter the workforce using the professional skills I had already developed before I entered school: Administrative Assistance.
Working in the administrative field for a number of very diverse organizations has given me a lot of insight into the world of business. It has also shown me how much of a factor globalization is in many business-related ideas and transactions. Because I am now able to work with colleagues all over the world, I have finally found something that not only interests me, but can also serve as a means to support my family: International Business and Relations.
My only roadblocks on this path seem to be related to managing the multiple priorities that I have and in time management. It is my hope that I can become more disciplined in setting aside some time each day to focus on my educational goals. Sometimes, finding the time is more difficult than others. But, I’m finding that it is necessary if I want to be able to not only complete the requirements of each course, but to absorb and understand the content of each course.
After researching many options, I think I have finally settled on an educational path that suits me and who I really want to be. This academic resolve will put me in a better position to project my career in a direction towards working globally with others towards some common goal. And while my initial interest is in working for either the United Nations or the U.S. Department of State to help others across the world to see the benefits in working together for a brighter future, I would certainly welcome opportunities within organizations striving to make the world a more sustainable place in which to live.
