"I'm Paying How Much for This Program???"

FIRST PRACTICUM

Where do I start? Let me ask you this…., have you ever attended a conference without reservations? No. I’m not talking about room reservations. I’m speaking more about personal reservations. You know, one of those conferences you voluntarily sign up for because it peaked your interest. The conference is so energizing that it turns out to be the best conference you’ve ever attended. You talk about it to everyone, but no one quite understands the spark of energy it left you. You feel changed as if you went through some religious transformation. Well, this is the best way to express the feelings I had on Sunday evening. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew it would be good. Why? Well, prior graduates had told me.

Starting a college program is difficult for first generation college students and the unknown is our biggest fear. Yes, I was scared prior to enrolling, but I tapped into the experiences of my friends who had finished the program. Everyone I spoke with assured me I was a good candidate for the program and that the program was a good fit for me. It didn’t take much convincing as I’ve always been fascinated with leadership. Soon enough, after registration, the same friends advised me to “trust the process” and to make sure to leave my “title” and “ego” at the door during the practicums.

“Ok,” I thought to myself, “I can ‘trust the process.’ I can leave the ‘title’ and ‘ego’ at the door.” Starting a doctoral program is “ego heavy” and people tend to carry their title on their forehead and boast about their work experiences.

Now, just to remind you, I NEVER wanted to pursue a doctoral program. I was happy with my B.A. in Liberal Studies from (with a heavy voice) “Seeeee SON!!”, but I feel I owe it to my community to continue to develop myself for the benefit of those around me.

On Saturday, I arrived without reservations and without expectations and on Sunday, I left beginning my transformation. I’ve experienced one of the most brilliant and invigorating leadership programs. The professors are old as dirt, but wise as Confucius. We danced, watched movie clips, and gave each other massages. Now that’s my kind of program. I’m paying how much?? They gave us butterflies, soda pop, and Q-tips. "Wait, how much am I paying for this program?" I have 7 assignments to tackle before November 6th. And I keep asking myself “HOW MUCH AM I PAYING?” I guess you can’t put a price on knowledge. It’s really the only investment you take with you when you die.

PEACE, LOVE, and GOD BLESS!!

I miss my trapper-keeper!

The crisp smell of freshly cut green grass, red and black football jerseys, brightly lit Friday night lights and the sticky smell of aqua net (the pink and white aerosol bottle was my favorite-EXTRA SUPER HOLD) are all smells and visions that pop into my head like popcorn popping out of Ms. Gaines’ hot air popcorn popper. I remember that popcorn maker sitting on the side cabinet wall, waiting to be used on movie days in 3rd grade. I always longed for my family to have such a concoction. “Palomitas! Yo quiero palomitas ama! La maestra tiene una cosa que hace palomitas!” I think one year I tried to fundraise enough money to get me one of those amazing machines. I don’t remember meeting my quota.

Anyways, these images along with others are mental snapshots that consume my head when I hear the statement “Going Back to School.” Most of the schools in my area are back in session. These include preschools, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. For the most part, I have friends who have children attending some sort of school. I have friends with children starting school for the first time. Pre-school, I never went to pre-school hence my stellar academic ability.

I have friends who have toddlers attending day care for the first time (nervous mommies-too cute). Then there are those with children returning to elementary and high school (talk about juggling schedules if you have them at different schools). Let’s not forget my friends with children leaving the nest to attend college for the first time (more nervous mommies as they remember their college days-you’re paying your dues to your mom now).

I have to highlight the following group “my friends who have decided to go back to school.” I tip my hat to you as I’m learning this is not an easy venture. Sitting next to the Brainy Kid in class can be discouraging, especially when that brainy kid is as young as your child and has the attitude of “Mr. Know-it-all” and it gets even more discouraging when the professor walks in and she’s as young as the next-door neighbor’s daughter only more bohemian looking. Then there’s technology. Yes, I said the “T” word. TE-CHNO-LO-GY!!! It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Search engines, Blackboard, TaskStream, on-line Librarians, Skype…, Technology, you WILL be my best friend.

I miss the days of the trapper-keeper, pee-chee folders, comp books, and playing sticks with pencils. My first practicum is this weekend. Looking forward to an innovative and lively semester. Good luck to all my fellow scholars returning to school. You deserve a pat on the back and much more. Look around your efforts are inspiring in and around your household.

PEACE. LOVE. GOD BLESS!!