The picture on my blog profile is of me on my very first day of school at Axia College of the University of Phoenix when I began my Associate Degree program three years ago today. I think seeing that photo today may have been what I needed to get my behind back on track and get my enthusiasm up there right along with it. I had (have) a goal, and a plan, and I am going to do this. I have a tremendous support network behind me all the way and, if I miss my goal by a few weeks, so what?
Anyway, I re-read some of my earlier blog posts and was quickly reminded where my enthusiasm comes from...self-confidence and, yes, experience. Nearly two years ago, in my post entitled "A Different Kind of Commitment," I mention that I believe there is a distinct difference in the definition of the word 'commitment' for distance learners than for traditional learners (brick-and-mortar types) and I stand by that perception today. Two years ago, I claimed that experience (in life, at work, in general) gives distance learners an edge over conventional students--and even fellow distance learners, and I continue to prove that to myself in every class. I am constantly reminded that experience is often the element necessary to solve the problem, and to calm and organize the chaos (which is inevitable in learning team environments--which I hate, but that's another blog post).
Excerpted from December 17, 2007: The past thirty years have provided me with plenty of opportunities to realize that I’m not so dumb after all. I have a heck of a lot more self-confidence than I give myself credit for and if not for perseverance, a good attitude, and great people skills, I would not be who I am today. A class here and there to keep up my skills as technology evolved proved to be the key to assuring my employer that their investment in me was a good one, but ultimately I knew that especially in today’s business world, someone my age cannot rely on experience alone. Longevity, seniority, tenure, and exemplary business references may not be enough should I find myself victim to the reductions in force that seem to occur without warning in Silicon Valley.
So besides my good looks and great people skills (ok, maybe just the latter), and besides my great references and my seniority, I need my degree. After thirty years of performing at or above my own high standards, and thirty years of establishing myself with my peers as the go-to person, if you will, for support and even advice (company-related, of course), I found that experience has leveled the distance-learning playing field for me. Yes, distance learning takes a different kind of commitment. I think that online students my age, who have been in the workplace as long as I have, and who have learned from their experience and their mistakes how to improve themselves, and who have a genuine desire to continue to do so will find as I did that experience is an awesome tutor. Pay attention. I did not realize that I had been, but I sure am glad it turned out that way.