Graduation is a time to celebrate our achievements and give thanks to the people in our lives who have helped us along the way. It is also a great time to reflect on the many stories of people who have overcome challenging obstacles and still seem to achieve success. Remembering these stories really seem to help when I start something new and get scared about the unknown journey.
When I examine the educational paths of my friends in my life; I am completely awed at their accomplishments. Nick was a University of Baltimore graduate after being in the Navy for 20 years and raising family at the same time. He is now an analyst at the National Security Agency. Wendi received her Masters in Computers Systems Management while juggling a career as a program manager and dealing with Cerebral Palsy. Ian flunked out of high school and now has two masters and is a programmer for a global professional services firm. He is now been accepted to the University of Baltimore’s Doctorate program. Through balancing family responsibilities, having a disability, and overcoming learning challenges, these three individuals give us hope of how we can overcome our own struggles and be successful in achieving our own educational goals.
To achieve success isn’t always an easy path in the journey of learning. Approximately three weeks ago, I received confirmation I had been accepted to the University of Baltimore’s Doctorate of Communication and Design. I am so thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to obtain a doctorate from University of Baltimore. Life can be funny sometimes. If you looked back at my life as a high school graduate in 1985, you would have never thought I would be passionate about continuing my education and working in technology.
When posting my good news on Facebook for my old college friends, it was amazing the reactions that I received. Most were happy but others never would have predicted it. I have always struggled as a learner and have always been an average student. So why pursue my forth degree? Because I know I still have so much more to learn and want to continue to grow.
Kubler-Ross has seven stages of death. I believe there are seven stages to pursuing an education. I am currently in the first/second stage. I am excited, amazed and scared of the unknown. But I do know that all these feelings are normal and will pass as time goes on. I have nervousness in my stomach at times as to whether or not I can achieve my doctorate. However, I think of my friends’ stories and know they can help me write my own.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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5 comments:
Hey Julie, great post! It's inspiring to hear you and your friend's stories. I think many students at UB have overcome extraordinary circumstances in order to succeed in getting a degree and that is one thing I admire so much about this school.
Good luck, Julie! Your enthusiasm will carry you through. Thanks so much for sharing your and your friends' inspirational stories.
Thanks for the positive feedback. I had my first class last night and it was awesome! I learned so much and it just reminds me how much I missed being in the face-to-face learning environment.
I agree with Sarah. One of the best things about UB is the diverse range of people. So many of us are returning to complete an educational path that was somehow derailed at one time or another. I think that make us stronger students. Great post.
Carol,
I totally agree and am learning UB has a diverse range of people which makes for a strong student community. Thanks for the feedback.
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