I believe I have a strong foundation in Naval Education in which this program can enrich and build upon. I had the opportunity to complete two successful tours as an instructor along with various other educational duties. Along with the hundreds of hours or instruction on the podium, I have also re-written curriculum, tests, and supervised study groups in the Learning Resource Center. My years as an instructor were very personally rewarding. Lucky for me, I was able to accomplish the Navy’s goal for me at the time by doing something that I treasure; working in Education! I have been on both sides of the podium and although teaching is my first love, I enjoy the satisfaction of working behind the scenes too.
I look to this program to provide me with the latest “gauge” in civilian education today, which will prepare me for any educational billets I may fill. More importantly however, the leadership skills I learn will enhance any roles that I will have as a Naval Officer. My personal goals of this program, primarily, are to acquire the Educational Education Training Management Subspecialty (ETMS) for the Navy, which will ensure that I stay in the Educational realm the remainder of my Naval Career. Secondly, I believe that this degree will allow me to transition easily into the civilian educational arena when the time comes.
One of the main things that I hope to bring away with me after completion of this program is the ability to assimilate the educational principles presented with Naval Education. In addition, during the process, maybe vice versa; maybe I can bring something to this program that will unique and uplifting. Although, I realize the two have vastly different missions or visions, I believe that what I learn in the next couple of years will give me a powerful insight that will be appreciated at my future Commands.
After looking at various programs across the country, I chose San Diego State University for a few reasons. First, I spoke with Alumni and found their source of pride and success inspiring. Next, I believed that the San Diego area would provide my family with a wonderful quality of life while I focused on postgraduate school. Third, I cannot wait to earn my degree from an intstitution like San Diego State University and see where it takes me. I feel very blessed for this opportunity.
I am confident that I bring a unique view of education to this program and I am excited about the unique view this degree will provide me in the years to come - both in Naval Medicine and beyond.
This past year has been very enlightening; it has also been frustrating. In the beginning of the fall semester in 2006, everything was in its place and I was able to concentrate on my post graduation education without distraction. Even into the spring semester of 2007, I felt like things were going along as planned. I enjoyed my classes and looked forward to them. Then the newness wore off and my health began to decline. I had to ask myself the hard questions and be ready for the answers that would affect my twenty-one year career in the Navy and my family.
During the summer, I hit an all time low and was contemplating numerous life-changing decisions, most of which would have resulted in not completing my degree. I felt like a failure at this and considered whether I had just lucked up in my undergrad program. It didn’t matter what anyone told me or what my GPA was, I was having a really hard time.
So, I started this fall already defeated, it seemed. Then, I sat down in my first class, in the back, which is what I prefer, and something amazing happened. I felt it again – that stirring in the pit of my stomach – and I knew instantly what it was. It was the desire to learn! I felt like standing on top of my desk and shouting, “I’m Back!” Even my health was improving.
This new awakening taught me a couple of things. First, that the hardest decisions usually bring about the most significant changes and that enlightenment rarely happens without some frustrations along the way. I am looking forward to the next year, although it is getting harder. I guess that is the point and although it makes me nervous, I know it will be worth it. I look back and remember how I used to dream about being here – and I am here. Smack dap in the middle of one of my greatest aspirations!
This process has been extremely tedious and I wonder how I would have handled the pressure if my thyroid was not under control. Once I decided to create a blog to celebrate my journey, I was off and running. I believe that I have developed an impressive portfolio that will serve me well in the future.
It was frustrating at times because of the differences in my program and the Student Affairs Personnel, but this is being addressed and my questions and concerns have been answered. The updated procedure/manual will make this requirement easier to comply with for the student and will make the professor’s life easier as well.
I look forward to sharing my learning experiences – both good and bad – with the Board. The completion of this program finishes another chapter in my life and leads to the start of a new one in the Never Ending Story of my life…
3 comments:
Portfolio Pre-Assessment
I believe I have a strong foundation in Naval Education in which this program can enrich and build upon. I had the opportunity to complete two successful tours as an instructor along with various other educational duties. Along with the hundreds of hours or instruction on the podium, I have also re-written curriculum, tests, and supervised study groups in the Learning Resource Center. My years as an instructor were very personally rewarding. Lucky for me, I was able to accomplish the Navy’s goal for me at the time by doing something that I treasure; working in Education! I have been on both sides of the podium and although teaching is my first love, I enjoy the satisfaction of working behind the scenes too.
I look to this program to provide me with the latest “gauge” in civilian education today, which will prepare me for any educational billets I may fill. More importantly however, the leadership skills I learn will enhance any roles that I will have as a Naval Officer. My personal goals of this program, primarily, are to acquire the Educational Education Training Management Subspecialty (ETMS) for the Navy, which will ensure that I stay in the Educational realm the remainder of my Naval Career. Secondly, I believe that this degree will allow me to transition easily into the civilian educational arena when the time comes.
One of the main things that I hope to bring away with me after completion of this program is the ability to assimilate the educational principles presented with Naval Education. In addition, during the process, maybe vice versa; maybe I can bring something to this program that will unique and uplifting. Although, I realize the two have vastly different missions or visions, I believe that what I learn in the next couple of years will give me a powerful insight that will be appreciated at my future Commands.
After looking at various programs across the country, I chose San Diego State University for a few reasons. First, I spoke with Alumni and found their source of pride and success inspiring. Next, I believed that the San Diego area would provide my family with a wonderful quality of life while I focused on postgraduate school. Third, I cannot wait to earn my degree from an intstitution like San Diego State University and see where it takes me. I feel very blessed for this opportunity.
I am confident that I bring a unique view of education to this program and I am excited about the unique view this degree will provide me in the years to come - both in Naval Medicine and beyond.
Portfolio 1st Year Reflection
This past year has been very enlightening; it has also been frustrating. In the beginning of the fall semester in 2006, everything was in its place and I was able to concentrate on my post graduation education without distraction. Even into the spring semester of 2007, I felt like things were going along as planned. I enjoyed my classes and looked forward to them. Then the newness wore off and my health began to decline. I had to ask myself the hard questions and be ready for the answers that would affect my twenty-one year career in the Navy and my family.
During the summer, I hit an all time low and was contemplating numerous life-changing decisions, most of which would have resulted in not completing my degree. I felt like a failure at this and considered whether I had just lucked up in my undergrad program. It didn’t matter what anyone told me or what my GPA was, I was having a really hard time.
So, I started this fall already defeated, it seemed. Then, I sat down in my first class, in the back, which is what I prefer, and something amazing happened. I felt it again – that stirring in the pit of my stomach – and I knew instantly what it was. It was the desire to learn! I felt like standing on top of my desk and shouting, “I’m Back!” Even my health was improving.
This new awakening taught me a couple of things. First, that the hardest decisions usually bring about the most significant changes and that enlightenment rarely happens without some frustrations along the way. I am looking forward to the next year, although it is getting harder. I guess that is the point and although it makes me nervous, I know it will be worth it. I look back and remember how I used to dream about being here – and I am here. Smack dap in the middle of one of my greatest aspirations!
Post Portfolio Reflection
This process has been extremely tedious and I wonder how I would have handled the pressure if my thyroid was not under control. Once I decided to create a blog to celebrate my journey, I was off and running. I believe that I have developed an impressive portfolio that will serve me well in the future.
It was frustrating at times because of the differences in my program and the Student Affairs Personnel, but this is being addressed and my questions and concerns have been answered. The updated procedure/manual will make this requirement easier to comply with for the student and will make the professor’s life easier as well.
I look forward to sharing my learning experiences – both good and bad – with the Board. The completion of this program finishes another chapter in my life and leads to the start of a new one in the Never Ending Story of my life…
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