Returning to School
Returning to school after being out of school for 25 years can be a challenge in many ways. At times, it looks daunting and almost impossible. However, decisions like this are not made overnight. Neither are steps like this taken without some kind of preparation. Over time, there has been much physical, emotional and academic preparation. Physical preparation for this course was probably the easiest part of preparation.
First of all, there has been research into to which college Is the best fit for the goals hat are desired to be obtained. In addition, several colleagues at work have returned to work and have told of the time that will be needed to obtain this goal. They have been an invaluable resource in telling how to physically Juggle working full time plus going to school. That has been the greatest preparation for the physical demands: Watching my colleagues. Other physical demands, such as computer needs, Internet connections, etc. Walden has been very good at being forth coming about what is needed for those things. It is helpful to know how to structure life. Colleagues at work are helpful in knowing the best way to obtain books, sources to look for information, and other physical demands that will arise in this academic journey. To become emotionally prepared has been much more challenging. I had hoped that I would never have to return to school. I have obtained specialized trainings, certifications, and other skills with the hopes of not returning to school because It seemed like such a daunting task.
However, for the past two to three years. I have started to see that the landscape of nursing is changing. I have realized that to continue to grow professionally and personally I am going to need my bachelor’s degree. This realization of professional need has helped prepare me emotionally. I have spent the past two years looking into what is required to go back to school. I have also spent time observing how others who are my peers and who are also In school observing are managing the process. I figured, “If they can do It, then so can l. It Is also a challenge to prepare academically. Tidying Is not a difficult task. For me, the hardest struggle has been to write a paper. In today’s learning environment, the process is entirely online and majority of the process is about writing. My weakest subject has always been English. I have never used PAP format. Therefore, this thought Is single greatest component that has kept me from returning to school. It Is a great relief to spend time learning about the writing center and the resources they have to offer.
I have spent time listening to the webzines and plan to access efferent parts of the writing centers help during my time at Walden. Other colleagues have told me of resources they have used to help them in this area. One day, at the pharmacy, even my pharmacist and her assistant offered to proof-read my papers for me! So, I feel like I have more support in these areas than I had at one time. Returning to school is a life altering decision. It takes lots of adjustment and much preparation. I am hoping that the preparation I have made In all ways- Alden university.
