For those who know me, know that second to my son, there’s nothing I love more than being out on the water, especially boating.
While I was sitting in a marina looking at a break wall and the channel next to it, I came up with the phrase (without any help from ChatGPT):
Don’t let the barriers of the past prevent you from seeing opportunities of the future
Beyond the break wall and through the channel, just like with boats, in life, there is a big lake to explore. Many people need a “channel” to get past the barrier of their break wall, whatever that might be. And it’s different for everyone.
Each potential student I talk with has a unique situation, purpose, circumstance, and my discussions are very personalized for each individual. I speak with students who are:
- First time or first generation learners
- Retirees who “are not done yet”
- Mid-Career job changers (see Mid-Career Wake-up Call)
- Returning to the workforce after extended time away
- Need to earn more money or have job flexibility
But the one thing all students have in common is some sort of barrier: learning disability, caregiver responsibilities, financial constraints, access to training itself, etc.
While individuals often see the break wall, I can help you see the channel to opportunity.
👩🏻🎓 My Path to a Bachelor’s Degree
I myself was (and continue to be) an adult learner. It took me 22 years to complete a 4 year bachelors degree.
But it was worth every struggle, challenge, class, (and retake class – I’m not very good at math!), asking for help from friends and family with childcare (which was really hard for me to do), late night study time, test anxiety, emotional eating, and to be honest, the list goes on!
But, I did it.
And today, almost 20 years later, I am still extremely thankful that I did and those struggles help me help others now. I love what I do, and it is my hope that you will be able to break your own barriers to love what you do in your career.
🎒Going Back to School as a Parent
When I decided to return to school, my son was five years old and in kindergarten. I struggled with balancing time with him and studying, while juggling a home and part-time work.
I explained to him that I could play for a while, but then I had to study. Soon, he started to follow my example. He wanted to “study” like mom.
He also helped me make dinner (he now loves to cook and bake), he helped me with my math and would help me create stories for writing assignments and presentations. He learned life skills and was very proud to be part of graduation day! I couldn’t have done it without him.
🌊 Lake of Opportunity
Let me help you see the channel and the lake of opportunity beyond your break wall. You might be the student, but your example, and hard work, navigating through challenges, may have a ripple effect that will impact others in ways you never imagined.
In boating terms, I hope you set your training to “full throttle” and set your course, sometimes riding waves, while other times facing what might seem like gale force winds.
But just like docking the boat and telling a great story of how you made it through a rain storm, returning to school creates great stories, builds character, earns respect, a certificate, degree, better job, better career, and hopefully a happier life.
I look forward to helping you chart your new course! Please connect with me to discuss Extended Education & Training courses, certificates, trainings, or degree program options.