Addicted to Education

Another semester is coming to a close and this is the time I like to reflect on what I have learned about myself these past four months. This was the first semester I took all of my classes during the day and although most of the people in my classes were much younger than I am. I didn't have any problems fitting in. I enjoy being around the diversity of students on this campus.

I like being part of college life because there is always something to do. This semester I was on campus every day and soon it became clear to me how easy it is to spend time here. Even when I came home I would want to immerse myself in school work. Sometimes I would put too much pressure on myself to do my best work every time. I convinced myself that each paper or project had to be the best it could be, no matter what the cost to my personal life. I became addicted to school.

I had to do a lot of group work in my classes this semester. This can be a challenge with people you don't know and with people of different ages. I like to think group work makes me a better person. Sometimes it tests my patience and other times I discover my leadership skills. One thing is for sure, group work is good experience to use in a job interview. You can talk about how you took charge when nobody else wanted to or how you helped to make the project successful. Either way, working with others whose values are different from your own helps you to understand yourself even more.

Early in the semester, I had to drop a class after three weeks. Luckily there was an accelerated online course I could enroll in so I didn't lose out on the three credits. Sometimes during a semester you may need to drop or change classes because of things beyond your control. Maybe the class wasn't what you expected or you just felt uncomfortable. Either way, it is good to know there is room for flexibility when it comes to doing what is best for you.

Looking back on my semester I learned more than what any book could have taught me. I realized how an email can mean one thing to a sender and a totally different thing to a receiver. Some things are just better said in person. I value the importance of balancing school and family obligations. Putting too much effort into your personal relationships is never a bad thing. Also, getting a grade of a B or a C is okay. At the end of the semester you still have 3 credits and once you have enough credits you will have a degree. College is not about being on the Dean’s List or graduating with honors; it's about the fact that you did it. Nobody can put a grade on the reward of an education.

I would love to hear about what you learned this past semester. Leave a comment and enjoy your winter break!

Thank you,
Roxanne Bocyck