educational autobiography
Why I decided to go back to school
Most people go back to school because they need a degree to obtain a higher paying job or for the thrill of lifelong learning. It's hard to gain proper employment without it these days. Employers prefer someone with a Liberal Arts degree lacking experience over someone with years of experience and no degree. My neices' struggles and constant encouragement from my supervisor were some factors that lead to my decison to return to school. I realized that continuing an education will be good for my personal and professional growth.
I've been working with the Intellectually Disabled population since 2004, I received a promotion from Direct Support worker to Group Leader supervising a group of 3 staff teaching the disabled individuals in a classroom setting. I remembered being asked by my supervisor if I had plans on furthering my education. She recommended enrolling at Audrey Cohen (she is an allumuni) for a Bachelors degree. Taking her advice I attempted to enroll, passed the entrance exam then faced roadblocks. Denied financial aid because of outstanding loans, I was forced to put attending school on hold.
The loans since then have been resolved. Passing that hurdle did not motivate me to reapply. I had become complacent for 7 years comfortable with my status, Crystal ( my niece) had since enrolled in college and will graduate from BMCC later this year. I admire the dedication she has. Her journey has been a rough one tempting her to quit numerous times. At 24, single mother dealing with the loss of her fiance, she attends school, completes her assignments and remains focused. She shared her plans on becoming a PA (Physican Assistant) which will require her continuing school after graduation. Her relentless struggle has inspired me to want it to.
Not qualifying for more promotions, and the fear of being stuck as a Group Leader for 7 more years frightened me. Seeing job openings for MSC (
Most people go back to school because they need a degree to obtain a higher paying job or for the thrill of lifelong learning. It's hard to gain proper employment without it these days. Employers prefer someone with a Liberal Arts degree lacking experience over someone with years of experience and no degree. My neices' struggles and constant encouragement from my supervisor were some factors that lead to my decison to return to school. I realized that continuing an education will be good for my personal and professional growth.
I've been working with the Intellectually Disabled population since 2004, I received a promotion from Direct Support worker to Group Leader supervising a group of 3 staff teaching the disabled individuals in a classroom setting. I remembered being asked by my supervisor if I had plans on furthering my education. She recommended enrolling at Audrey Cohen (she is an allumuni) for a Bachelors degree. Taking her advice I attempted to enroll, passed the entrance exam then faced roadblocks. Denied financial aid because of outstanding loans, I was forced to put attending school on hold.
The loans since then have been resolved. Passing that hurdle did not motivate me to reapply. I had become complacent for 7 years comfortable with my status, Crystal ( my niece) had since enrolled in college and will graduate from BMCC later this year. I admire the dedication she has. Her journey has been a rough one tempting her to quit numerous times. At 24, single mother dealing with the loss of her fiance, she attends school, completes her assignments and remains focused. She shared her plans on becoming a PA (Physican Assistant) which will require her continuing school after graduation. Her relentless struggle has inspired me to want it to.
Not qualifying for more promotions, and the fear of being stuck as a Group Leader for 7 more years frightened me. Seeing job openings for MSC (