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Online Degrees & Social Media

cin on August 27th, 2009

I think education is in an odd spot right now. I draw this conclusion based on my own experiences.

I left college in 1988 or 9 just shy of an associate’s degree in something or other. I wasn’t on the right track to begin with then had some medical situations to deal with. Up until this point I have never wished to go back. I have taken a few literature classes just to stay sharp and have an excuse to write. Other than that, I have been too lucky with employment and salary to regret it.

Now I’m 40, working real estate when my mother of two children schedule allows it, and find myself pursuing the writing I wanted to do when I was nineteen but didn’t have the proper guidance. I was pushed into psychology and sociology because that’s what my profile recommended, and advised that the writing classes fill up too quickly and probably a waste of time. I only have about 3 do over requests in my life time. Accepting that advice is one of them.

So now I’m selling a little and I’m writing. And have also fallen into social media. I LOVE it. Feel passionate about it as in “change is in the air” excitement. I wonder if I am in the middle of a technology revolution. Historically speaking, I wonder at what point during revolutions past did folks actually realize that something big was really happening?

Anyway, I want to learn more about it. I am also suddenly craving that degree I never got now that I finally have this keen direction. I can’t afford it today, I don’t think, but I’m researching my options. I KNOW it will be challenging to juggle a school schedule with family. I need to think about that too. You might say, “I did it, you can too.” And I know you’re right. I am just thinking about how very needy my family is and not necessarily helpful around the house. I wonder if I want to bring on that extra stress right now.

Then I think… what about online courses? We are living in an internet & technology age. Surely there is education available out there. But as I look I find that there really isn’t that much available, accredited, that I feel good about. I am still looking. I did find this though. A private Catholic school I never heard of called Gonzaga University offers an online masters degree in NURSING and in COMMUNICATIONS! Two fields that will always be relevant.

Now for you snooty toots who think that such offerings diminish a school’s value… Gonzaga feels that it is accommodative to experienced professionals who want to continue their education but otherwise may not be able to due to commitments and obligations they already have with career and family. And if you wonder about Gonzaga’s credibility, they’ve received high praise from the likes of US News, the Princeton Report, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. You can GOOGLE them if you don’t believe me. Ha!

This particular program is not for me, of course. I’m still looking. But thought I’d pass it on for anyone who might be looking for just such an opportunity.

And in case you still are not sold on the idea that technology and social media are changing our lives at home AND in the workplace, here’s a video just for you!

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7 Responses to “Online Degrees & Social Media”

  1. I LOVE this article girl!! You can do it! I have been completing my degree, mostly online due to the fact I am a single mom, and wouldn’t have it any other way!! I tried going to school at night but that didn’t allow me to rock my baby to sleep at night…and that’s a MUST!!

    I am three classes away from having my MBA and I must say (not to toot my own horn) I am pretty darn proud of myself!! I would eventually love to have my PhD in business with a few minor and majors but for now I will just complete my MBA and then watch my son grow, play sports, and spend time with him that school has taken away from in the past years.

    When I started college, I had a plan…I knew I wanted to work at my parents business and one day own it so I didn’t really “need” college but figured for a security blanket, it wouldn’t hurt. I plan on retiring at 55, have all my retirements set up and will also teach online so that I can travel and see the world…leaving my mark as always!

    I love going to school because like you mentioned it keeps me fresh on what is going on in the world, the advancements of technology and such…

    I guess what I am really saying is that going to school while being a mom, wife, working woman, etc. is tough but the more classes you do, the more you work it into your schedule…I know you can multi-task like no other so you will do great! I will am here to be your cheer coach…getting you through those frustrating nights when you are up to midnight doing homework because family times and duties had to come first…I know, I am doing it now!!

    I want you to know that I already think you are VERY intelligent, beautiful, and just perfect the way you are now… I respect and look up to you like no other! I think you are simply amazing!!

    No matter what you decide, I know everything will work out for you!!

    :o)

  2. Well. Not what I expected to log into this morning. I think you get the title of best comment ever. :-) Thanks so much Leslie. Your horn should be tooted- You’re accomplishing so much! You made a good point about teaching online. The internet holds a lot of legitimate opportunities that people don’t realize. Scared I think. I run across a lot of stuff I’d like to take on but I don’t qualify, based on education, so I don’t bother applying. I am not sure what I’ll end up doing. Am super low right now but I think it’s just from summer and having no relief from the kids and laid off hubby! Check in with me again in 4 weeks! :-) Thanks for the comment, your wonderful praise and reading my goodies! XO

  3. Thank you for the post, I agree your idea !

  4. Thanks for your article on Online Degrees. More and more companies seem to be taking the lead of Calvert homeschooling and offering online instruction. They really were the innovators.

  5. I obtained my bachelors degree online while working a full time job. I would never have been able to get my degree, in business administration by the way, if it wasn’t for being able to attend class online.

  6. Thank you for the post.

  7. Great article! I just completed a medical assistant program, while working full time and being a mother. It is hard, but the online courses fit in my schedule. I would recommend them if you don’t have much time.

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