October 30, 2006. The date will be forever etched into my mind. It is the date of the very last day of instruction for my degree program. It marks the completion of an on-again, off-again relationship that I’ve had with school since 1995. I am now waiting for the last grade to post so that I may apply for my diploma. I won’t have “closure” until that piece of paper is finally in my possession, tangible evidence of the countless hours spent reading, writing, working on projects, and meeting with study groups. The last of which was perhaps the most challenging for me.
In hindsight, school has stretched me in ways that I had not expected. Academics were never really much of a problem, but working with learning teams always seemed to be a challenge. In everything, you will have your share of good and bad apples. It’s just the luck of the draw that determines whether working with your study group will be a pleasurable experience – or whether you will feel compelled to yank out your hair in big clumps by the end of the course. Dealing with “adult learners” provides its own set of challenges. In a typical university scenario, students are generally dedicated to school full-time, possibly holding down part-time jobs to support themselves. With adult learners, school can often seem more like an after-thought. Your classmates, like you, often have demanding full-time jobs, children, and other activities and concerns that take priority over school. Many times, it shows: in the caliber of their work, the amount of effort they put forth (or lack thereof), the reading that went undone, the assignments that were turned in late, or going incommunicado for days. Certainly, if homework was an independent activity, this wouldn’t be a problem. However, when 30% of one’s grade depends on the ability to turn in a cohesive group project – the reliability and cooperation from teammates becomes crucial. Needless to say, my experience with groups ran the gamut from excellent (go Team C!) to absolutely nightmarish. I am so grateful that the team that supported me through the bulk of the toughest part of the program was comprised of competent, cooperative and caring individuals. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to partner with. We still swap e-mail with the 4 original members periodically and it’s nice to know that they’re all doing well and went on to obtain their degrees. I was the last.
Looking back at the whole experience, I sometimes wonder if this investment was worth my time and money. And boy, it was a LOT of money. Although I may forget nearly everything I studied in those 11 years as a college student, it wasn’t the knowledge gained that was of worth – but the attainment of a goal and seeing it through to completion. Of course, there is also the hope that the degree will also help me work my way back into my field. Someday… hopefully sooner rather than later.
The other day, talking to Mahealani, the subject of school came up. She’s currently in a Marine Biology Masters program. “It must be nice to be done,” she said, almost wistfully. “It’s wonderful. I still can’t believe it,” I said. “When I come home from work, I still have this feeling like I need to do something – homework, reading, a project… When I realize that I don’t have anything due – well, it’s an odd feeling.” She nodded with understanding, “when you get over that feeling, you’ll know when it’s time to go back to school.” Then, she went on to explain how she felt after completing her Bachelors degree and the nocturnal epiphany she had that prompted her to continue her pursuit for further education.
Honestly, I don’t think any epiphanies of that sort are in my future.
I do, however, have intentions of continuing my education – but not through obtaining a Masters in Information Technology. I’d like to expand my knowledge of writing, photography, graphic design, video editing, and the Japanese language. The possibilities excite me and give me the zest for learning that I lacked as I was going through my degree program.
It’s nice to have my life back. What shall I do today?
