Final Thoughts
Wow, I can’t believe I’m almost finished – with the e-portfolio or the entire master’s program. The creation of this portfolio has been such a fun journey down Reflection Lane. It’s given me a chance to view my personal challenges, changes and growth throughout the program. I’m happy to say I overcame insecurities and evolved into a stronger, more self-assured woman because of this experience. And I’ve done it all from an observer role, a mindfulness term that means viewing a situation from another’s perspective, without judgment or criticism.
Even what I’ve learned about adult education is a reflection of my personal growth. A confirmed Behaviorist being transformed into a Humanist? Yes! A consummate loner embracing Social Constructivism? Double Yes! A learner who has always relied on her memorization skills to succeed in school (my apologies, Mr. Freire) converted into someone who thinks critically and has recently entered the debate on gun control of her own volition? Heck, yeah! I am so proud of the woman I’ve become because of the program. Those are definitely some new tricks for this old dog!
I am also very eager to share what I have learned in a classroom or training setting. I thought I wanted to teach before I came into the program; now I KNOW I want to – I’m just not sure what form it will take: teaching English or Communications in a community college setting; working with seniors to teach mindfulness and meditation for stress and pain relief; designing and facilitating online career courses with my professor friend; or working as an online health coach. I have so many options that I had never even considered before this program. My future’s so bright, I may need the proverbial shades.
I came into this master’s program thinking that I would be in it for the long haul, and that turned out to be completely accurate. Life has a habit of getting in the way of goals and objectives, but I am so proud that I stuck with it – class by class – until I could see the light at the end of my educational flashlight. Another aspect of graduate school that was affirmed was the opportunity to prepare for a career about which I would feel passionate. I just had no idea the copious amount of potential professional paths that would present themselves to me.
I think the biggest surprise of the whole program has been enjoying working and e-talking with other students. I’ve always been a lone wolf when it comes to classroom work, convinced I’d be better just completing tasks myself. I didn’t really enjoy educational collaboration; Jerry Seinfeld echoed this old dog when he said, “People, they’re the worst.” But now I know that true knowledge comes when we work together, learn from each other and effect change based on that knowledge.
Even though this program is coming to an end, I’m definitely not done learning, either formally or informally. I have plans to earn mindfulness instruction certification so I can be fully prepared to teach meditation and other mindful pursuits. I also know that whatever field I ultimately choose, I’ll have so much to learn, and I welcome the challenge.
I think the best part of being an old dog learning new tricks will be utilizing those tricks as a springboard to learn even more about the world and myself. So far, I’ve learned to shake, roll over and speak, but thanks to my master’s degree, this old dog won’t be lying down any time soon.
Even what I’ve learned about adult education is a reflection of my personal growth. A confirmed Behaviorist being transformed into a Humanist? Yes! A consummate loner embracing Social Constructivism? Double Yes! A learner who has always relied on her memorization skills to succeed in school (my apologies, Mr. Freire) converted into someone who thinks critically and has recently entered the debate on gun control of her own volition? Heck, yeah! I am so proud of the woman I’ve become because of the program. Those are definitely some new tricks for this old dog!
I am also very eager to share what I have learned in a classroom or training setting. I thought I wanted to teach before I came into the program; now I KNOW I want to – I’m just not sure what form it will take: teaching English or Communications in a community college setting; working with seniors to teach mindfulness and meditation for stress and pain relief; designing and facilitating online career courses with my professor friend; or working as an online health coach. I have so many options that I had never even considered before this program. My future’s so bright, I may need the proverbial shades.
I came into this master’s program thinking that I would be in it for the long haul, and that turned out to be completely accurate. Life has a habit of getting in the way of goals and objectives, but I am so proud that I stuck with it – class by class – until I could see the light at the end of my educational flashlight. Another aspect of graduate school that was affirmed was the opportunity to prepare for a career about which I would feel passionate. I just had no idea the copious amount of potential professional paths that would present themselves to me.
I think the biggest surprise of the whole program has been enjoying working and e-talking with other students. I’ve always been a lone wolf when it comes to classroom work, convinced I’d be better just completing tasks myself. I didn’t really enjoy educational collaboration; Jerry Seinfeld echoed this old dog when he said, “People, they’re the worst.” But now I know that true knowledge comes when we work together, learn from each other and effect change based on that knowledge.
Even though this program is coming to an end, I’m definitely not done learning, either formally or informally. I have plans to earn mindfulness instruction certification so I can be fully prepared to teach meditation and other mindful pursuits. I also know that whatever field I ultimately choose, I’ll have so much to learn, and I welcome the challenge.
I think the best part of being an old dog learning new tricks will be utilizing those tricks as a springboard to learn even more about the world and myself. So far, I’ve learned to shake, roll over and speak, but thanks to my master’s degree, this old dog won’t be lying down any time soon.
I would love to talk with you! Please
"Some may call me a senior dog -- that just means I have years of experience in the fine art of friendship." -- Fido