A couple of years ago, I heard a cast member of one of those outdoor reality shows say that in the wilderness “If you’re not doing something all the time, you’re doing something wrong.” The same applies to trying to do an eighteen-month graduate program in a year.
We are halfway through the first semester. I’m enjoying it and learning so much. The faculty are wonderful. It is a small program, and there is a benefit to that. The classes are fun and the assignments are interesting. For example, the image above is from a class this week in which a guest lecturer talked about and demonstrated her use of origami to teach English.
Still, taking graduate classes for the first time in fifteen years has been a bit of an adjustment. In addition to the usual reading, tests and papers, we are required to journal, spend fourteen hours observing in at least three different classroom settings, contribute to discussions online, prepare lesson plans and perform teaching demonstrations. My background managing projects is coming in handy. I pretty much viewed the semester as a big project and developed a plan for workflow. It is allowing me time to get my assignments done without feeling overwhelmed. This helps to focus me on learning rather than just getting assignments done.
So, my life is busy. The football game is still on the television on Sundays, but I don’t get to see much because I’m usually editing papers or something. We still have time for an outing here and there. I’m trying to fit fall chores in between assignments and doing a little bit at a time. Life is good and in less than a year, I’ll be a teacher.
Milford Street 
Your students may know fully understand your sacrifice and dedication to complete this program, but you and your loved ones will surely applaud your success. 🙂
Thank you Judy. i am actually humbled by what my students have done to arrive here. My efforts seem much easier by comparison. Cheers!
I am so thrilled for you Chris! How rewarding to find another passion. 🙂
Thank you so much, Laurie…Cheers!
Go ahead, Prof. 😀
Cheers!
Sid
Thank you so much Sid… Cheers!
I admire so much what you are doing, Chris. Being able to manage your time and your projects is huge, isn’t it? I love taking a project and breaking it down to soundbites that assure me everything will get done timely. Proud of you, teacher!
Thank you so much, Lois…Cheers!
You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!! Once you get past the first semester shock of being back in school you hit your stride and roll on from there.
That’s my take. This will be the tough semester as I get used to everything. Then I am hoping it all comes naturally. Thanks Teri
It will. It will.
I’m impressed that you are doing 18 months in a year. Good thing you are a project manager! I went back to school as an adult, a young adult, and found I was much better at prioritizing than when I was an undergrad. My son was 3 at the time, a powerful reason to focus.
Your’s awesome, Chris. Look how far you’ve come! Such an inspiration to everyone. So proud to ‘know’ you. 🙂
Thank you so much. You know, I’m just trying to make a go of this new thing I started. That’s it. We will see how it goes. Cheers 😊
So happy for you! Nothing to lose-Everything to gain! 😊👍🏻
Thank you!
You will be a teacher with credentials when you complete the program — you already are a teacher and have been most of your adult life!
Oh, thank you so much. Cheers!
oh somehow i have no doubt you will do it Chris…you are a teacher 😀 have a happy day!
Thank you, Hedy. Same to you =)
I was a teacher educator in curriculum theory for many years…you’ll enjoy!
Thank you, Hedy. I am taking curriculum design next semester. I think I will enjoy this new profession very much. Cheers
it will take me a while to catch up but it’s good to read you been busy and feeling happy about it… 🙂
Life is good, Alex. I hope that you are well. i am pleased that I made the switch this year. Cheers!