Education and the Community

I'm pretty much convinced that people will continue to fear change even in the midst of great change. For example, our economy has been in a downward spiral for the better half of a year now, and thousands of people have lost their jobs as a result. One would think that this would be the best time for someone to go back to school and want to get into a recession-proof career (especially if you are coming from a trade that is being phased out in the world, like the tool and dye industry). However, despite all that is going on around them, people will still hesistate to take that first step towards not only a better career, but a better life.

I know, I know. I sound like a salesman at work complaining to coworkers in the breakroom. But this is really something that I have noticed about any situation that requires change... and I am also guilty of this hesitation. I hate change, no matter what said change is and even if it is benefitting me. But I also hate being broke, and I hate not knowing if I will have a job when I come to work in the morning.

Most of these people have already lost their job and have nothing more to turn to. These people have no additional source of income no additional skills to use in an alternative career. These people are about to lose homes, cars, and families because of their current economic status... yet they refuse to change anything.

I will never understand this, and I try as hard as possible to not let this show in my appointments with prospective students... but get off your ass people and do something with your life.

Buying Your Degree!

I recently started a new job at a local private college where my main job duty is to help enroll new students on a daily basis (otherwise known as an "admissions representative"). Over the past month I have had the ins and outs of the position and the college drilled into my brain along with the best manner in which to "sell" the college to those on the outside. One thing that I have also noticed, however, is the fact that the school I am attending for my own education is garbage.

Well, perhaps not "garbage", persay. I mean, I am still learning a little bit about my chosen degree (Master's in Health Administration), but other than just some normal, basic information... well, I don't really feel like I know any more about the healthcare field or running a clinic/facility than I did when I first started the program.

This is obviously very concerning, especially when considering the money I am paying this nationally well-known online university for what will eventually be the "key to a new career". The irony of this whole situation is that I have just started a new job at a completely different college which also offers online classes. But, I digress.

Paying an educational institution is a wonderful way to not only better your life, but also the lives of your family and potential children (if that is the route you choose to take). However, feeling like you are actually getting something out of the program and... I dunno, LEARNING SOMETHING... might actually be beneficial when trying to get hired in the career that requires an advanced degree.

Unfortunately for me, I am about two classes away from completing my degree while having very little to show for my efforts (that is, other than the obvious gigantic student loan payments I will be paying later on). I never thought that this would be a decision that I would regret in the future.