In January I decided to go back to school to obtain my Masters degree. After three years of not being in school, I was not sure if attending a classroom setting was for me. So, while speaking to a friend of mines, she mentioned she was going for her Masters but was doing it online. I knew people who took online classes but sometimes I thought it was not real. However, I started my research into the world of Internet Academics!
I attend Strayer University, www.strayer.edu and am studying to obtain my MBA in Human Resource Management. I decided to attend an online university not only because I had not attended a classroom setting in years but because my job was very demanding. When I started in January 2008, I was a Site Manager at a major corporation, where I oversaw a 24/7 operation. There were many times when I was called into work 4am any day evening weekends. Now, there are some good programs for adults to pursue degrees that work around the schedules but most of those in classroom programs are in the evening and/or weekends. I would have faced the situation of possibly failing since my job took most of my time. Therefore, online program was the best choice for me.
There are some things to consider when thinking about online education:
1. If the school is accredited. If an instiution is not accredited, they are not supplied federal funding. Simply logging onto the school that you're interested in, it will supply you if they are accredited. I was familiar with this process because when I was looking for a college to attend in 2001, I was told this same information. However, in regards to online colleges, before you invest any time or money into a program - making sure it is accredited will save you time. Check out, Board of Online Universities Accreditation, www.boua.org for the school you're interested in.
2. Selected a program. Just like high school or college, attend a school that has a program which fits you. Do not attend the school because you saw the advertisement on TV or on the Internet and do not go for a program that does not interest you. I know there are programs online for Nursing, however realistically, how can you study to be a nurse online? Some programs are available, however they sometimes may not be the best selection or option. Basic programs like Business may seem easy and in turn for the most part maybe, but do not just select a program that will not necessarily challenge you either.
3. Career advancement. Going back to school will benefit you, whether you are 23 years old or 45 years old, we all can always learn something new. Just understanding that selecting to attend an online university will allow you to have more time to focus on your career. While you are working, it is good to apply the knowledge you are learning in the classroom and apply it to your career/work. Waiting until you receive your degree will not help you advance - demonstrating that knowledge beforehand, will help you advance in your career.
4. Full/part time. Although, you will be studying on your own, deciding to attend school full time or part time is very important. Some people who have careers and families usually decide to attend part time. However, if you work closely with an advisor they will be able to assist you in selecting the right courses. As you will learn, most of the people who work at these schools with online programs, are students themselves, therefore they will have some experience and may have taken the courses you will be taking. Talking to them will benefit you because they will help group which courses you should take and should not take. Do not rush, it is not a race. This is your education and the last thing you want to do is fail classes.
5. Support Team. Most times, people who decide to attend online universities have families and we all know having a support team at school is important but, having a team at home is even more important. Talking to you children and spouse/partner about you deciding to go back to school is important. Let them know what your plans and goals are and why you have decided to pursue this choice. However, reassure them that you will make time for them in between your studies and work because especially with young kids, they may not understanding. For people who are single and have no family, have the same conversation with your close friends and immediate family members. When times become tough and you are unsure about whether school is for you, having people in your corner to support you is critical.
6. School Resources. Just like any other school, online universities have resources too. Some schools have physical campuses and taking the opportunity to get familiar with the facilities is great. However, for those who do not have access to a campus, there are resources you too can benefit from. There is tutoring services for students to take part in. Many schools assign other students who have demonstrated extremely well in certain courses to be tutors. Also, student services is available for students to get in contact with people who can help you with certain situations like financial aid. Do not forget about the other students who are taking the courses with you. They too are a resource for you. Form a buddy system or group to work on assignments will help in difficult courses.
So, after looking at the different possibilities, if you really want to pursue a higher education consider an online education. There are many great colleges with wonderful programs that can help you achieve your many goals. If you inspire to do great things, start with an education and do not be afraid of this option - I didn't!
Again, over and out!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Cry for Love
Love, is highly being taken advantage of today. People have constantly used and abused the word, leaving it worn and torn. Love is becoming like the word - that- repeatedly used. Love has no dimension anymore because of the way people do not understand or just have little respect for it.
Today, so many young women are crying out for love that they have not realized that they have become desperate. Why is it that women will constantly take what men say as being something else? A man say that, "you're close to being perfect in my life" and they'll assume he means he loves them. NO! He is just saying that you are not perfect and there is someone else in my life that I am comparing you too. We have to stop assuming and start taking what is reality as it is. Another thing that is driving me crazy with such young women is marriage. Everyone knows that marriage is a beautiful thing, but only when it is real and two people truly are ready and wants it. Ladies, we cannot force a man to marry us - not with kids, money or sex!
When a man say that he does not expect to marry you more than once - take it for what it is. No, it is not a phase and he is not joking, sweetie he is very real. But, the part that makes me sick to my stomach is when I hear women say, "well, if he won't marry me then I'll find someone who will." What???? No, you don't go into any relationship seeking marriage. You don't go into any relationship for the fact, expecting anything! You meet someone Monday, don't wake up Tuesday daydreaming about the life you're going to have with the man "of your dreams" the night before! We have to stop looking for the man who is going to marry us and focus on what we can do to be prepared for that time - some examples: getting our education, advancing our careers, getting our financial situations together and many other things.
People say that I am blunt and say things that can seem harsh and it is true sometimes, but I just get tired of hearing the same nonsense. When I met the guy I am with currently, I went in not looking for anything. I was not looking for him to be my boyfriend, lover and especially not my husband. Actually, I never wanted to get married (that's another blog for another day), so meeting him I did not expect anything. However, as time went on and we grew to know one another and love each other (hence, how I said grew to love one another) my mind started to change about marriage. Correction, my mind started to change about marriage and him. I do not see myself marrying anyone else besides him, which means that if he does not marry me, I will not be on the search for my next future husband! That is what I am getting at - when you are ready for marriage, it will be with the person you grow and establish those feelings for, not the person you search to put in that situation.
Ladies, we have to educate ourselves and understand that love makes us transparent. When we seem desperate - everyone notice it. When we accept the same man who told us for months that they will never marry us and one day he wakes up and say start saving for a wedding, you're planning your wedding BUT you have no ring on your finger - something is wrong. This would ring a major alarm in my mind. Men, unlike women they usually mean what they say and if they drastically change their mind, it means they have a reason behind it. Please, let's not fool ourselves and think that he will do a 360 overnight and with no ring???? That was not planned, that was a last minute move. Stop crying for love because at the end of the day, you're going to lose more than love!
So, I think I've shared some knowledge for tonight....
Over and out!!!!
Today, so many young women are crying out for love that they have not realized that they have become desperate. Why is it that women will constantly take what men say as being something else? A man say that, "you're close to being perfect in my life" and they'll assume he means he loves them. NO! He is just saying that you are not perfect and there is someone else in my life that I am comparing you too. We have to stop assuming and start taking what is reality as it is. Another thing that is driving me crazy with such young women is marriage. Everyone knows that marriage is a beautiful thing, but only when it is real and two people truly are ready and wants it. Ladies, we cannot force a man to marry us - not with kids, money or sex!
When a man say that he does not expect to marry you more than once - take it for what it is. No, it is not a phase and he is not joking, sweetie he is very real. But, the part that makes me sick to my stomach is when I hear women say, "well, if he won't marry me then I'll find someone who will." What???? No, you don't go into any relationship seeking marriage. You don't go into any relationship for the fact, expecting anything! You meet someone Monday, don't wake up Tuesday daydreaming about the life you're going to have with the man "of your dreams" the night before! We have to stop looking for the man who is going to marry us and focus on what we can do to be prepared for that time - some examples: getting our education, advancing our careers, getting our financial situations together and many other things.
People say that I am blunt and say things that can seem harsh and it is true sometimes, but I just get tired of hearing the same nonsense. When I met the guy I am with currently, I went in not looking for anything. I was not looking for him to be my boyfriend, lover and especially not my husband. Actually, I never wanted to get married (that's another blog for another day), so meeting him I did not expect anything. However, as time went on and we grew to know one another and love each other (hence, how I said grew to love one another) my mind started to change about marriage. Correction, my mind started to change about marriage and him. I do not see myself marrying anyone else besides him, which means that if he does not marry me, I will not be on the search for my next future husband! That is what I am getting at - when you are ready for marriage, it will be with the person you grow and establish those feelings for, not the person you search to put in that situation.
Ladies, we have to educate ourselves and understand that love makes us transparent. When we seem desperate - everyone notice it. When we accept the same man who told us for months that they will never marry us and one day he wakes up and say start saving for a wedding, you're planning your wedding BUT you have no ring on your finger - something is wrong. This would ring a major alarm in my mind. Men, unlike women they usually mean what they say and if they drastically change their mind, it means they have a reason behind it. Please, let's not fool ourselves and think that he will do a 360 overnight and with no ring???? That was not planned, that was a last minute move. Stop crying for love because at the end of the day, you're going to lose more than love!
So, I think I've shared some knowledge for tonight....
Over and out!!!!
My first...Blog
So, my friend Hillary encouraged me to join this and at first I did not think twice about it but I decided why not??? I have more than enough thoughts and stories that can be easily shared with the world...
A little about me. I love to write, for years I thought about becoming a writer but never stuck to anything longer than 2-3 chapters. I do not think my life is interesting enough for me to have a reason to write about my life - maybe if someone reads some of my blogs in the future, they might make me an offer - yeah right lol. But, I love to read therefore that sparks the engine in my mind which allows me to start thinking and in turn its turns into me typing it away. So, here I am and for whomever reads this, I hope you find some of my stuff interesting...
-Shanee
A little about me. I love to write, for years I thought about becoming a writer but never stuck to anything longer than 2-3 chapters. I do not think my life is interesting enough for me to have a reason to write about my life - maybe if someone reads some of my blogs in the future, they might make me an offer - yeah right lol. But, I love to read therefore that sparks the engine in my mind which allows me to start thinking and in turn its turns into me typing it away. So, here I am and for whomever reads this, I hope you find some of my stuff interesting...
-Shanee
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