I have to admit, it is somewhat surreal that I have completed this round of upper-division schooling. Several years ago if you had asked me if I was going to go back to school, I would have probably told you I was meant for travel and 'real-life' education. Looking back at my transcripts, it is rather comical and a rather telling story of a woman who underwent a supreme transformation. It humbles me because I know I did not do it alone. Many of you know I am a Christian, no big surprise there and many of you may expect a monologue of how God has changed my life. I believe though that actions speak louder than simple words, although words carry power. I think many of you who have known me for any length in time can attest to the changes made in my life. Some of you may deduce it to simple personal strength and overcoming negative 'energy'. Although I did have a part in all the changes that have been made in my life, for I am not a lifeless robot, I would be arrogant to discredit the power of Christ in my life and the wisdom I have found through His Word. I can say I have learned to accept, love, tolerate, challenge and stand upon my convictions more deeply than I ever did. It has not been a perfect journey and I have certainly blown it or have gotten 'carried away' with zeal, but life and our relationships, whether be spiritual or personal, are always growing and maturing. But I am here to give you some advice. Advice about school. Advice about education. And perhaps, if I am successful, some advice on life. Now mind you, this is MY opinion and what I have concluded based on the small bit of acquired wisdom I may or may not have accumulated over the years, I suppose you be the judge. So here goes it...
1). DO NOT go to college unless you are certain on what you want to pursue, unless you are extremely good at studies. When I graduated in 2002, I did what many high schools kids aspire/get pressured into doing: I went to college. I aimed at a double major in Graphic Design and Marketing and although I loved to draw, I did not have my heart in this degree nor with school in general. My priorities were focused elsewhere and all the while I struggled immensely with personal identity/purpose. Call it teenage angst or whatever you want, but that was my situation. Until I realized my worth and purpose, I approached education with a whole new tenacity! I could not get enough of learning! Do not get me wrong, homework got extremely annoying at times, but my attitude about learning changed drastically! I never saw myself as a teacher growing up, but once I felt called to that career, my excitement grew everyday. I cannot wait to get in a classroom! I know it will be challenging and I will make many mistakes along the way, but at the end of the day I will find fulfillment doing what I have been created to do! Many people are frustrated trying to pursue things that are not conducive to what they were created to do and as a result their self-worth becomes diminished.
2). DO NOT be afraid to challenge your professors or other classmates. Now this does not give you an all access pass to be a total jerk and only allow your voice to be heard. Let others share their opinions/beliefs/points of views with courtesy and share yours with the same amount of respect. IT IS OKAY TO DISAGREE! Your professor's word is not sacred nor is it always right. Challenge them but with respect and love. Be open to others, you may learn a thing or two, but know what it is you believe as well. It is amazing how easily one can be swayed or influenced. Stand firm but love genuinely.
3). BELIEVE in your ability to get the task done. I cannot count how many times at the beginning of a semester I would get all of my class syllabuses and ask myself how I was going to get everything done. But it ALWAYS got done! Take it day by day. Do not look too far down the semester but focus on the needs and demands of each week.
4). GET TO KNOW your professors and classmates. This is one thing I regret with school. I did not spend a lot of time visiting with my professors and getting to know them on a more personal level. They really do enjoy your time (or so they tell me ;)) so go visit them. It will also help you more in the classroom. Also, by getting to know your classmates, you can really find some amazing people to have great conversations with, thus sparking good friendships many times. You have a long road ahead of you, it makes it a lot less lonely if you have some pals to share your pain with! ha! ;)
5). CONVINCE yourself you are smart. Not the 'know-it-all' or 'condescending academic' type of smart but believe in your ability to critically think, analyze and interpret. You are smarter than you think. It does help though to read more, contemplate and discuss ideas and issues. Remember, the brain is a muscle so exercise it.
There you have it...take it or leave it. Just know, it is never too late as long as you are breathing and hey, if I can do it, so can you! Much love, friends! Thank you for all the support and encouragement along the way. Meaningful relationships sure make life so worth it! Below is some proof, just in case you thought I was blowing smoke up your pantalones.
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| My transcripts from my 2002-2003 semester (sorry took a pic w/ my phone off my computer) |
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| Transcripts from 2012-2013 (still waiting for grades from this last fall) |
SO proud of you! I'd say my story is similar to yours. College after Christ was so different for me-- it was so much better.
You might add to the list that a degree is not a guarantee of a good job, or a well-paying one, either. It's about who you become along the way, and the skills you pick up...
But don't let that discourage you. It's good to be on this side of the degree.