"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!!