In today's world deadlines are shorter, employees are managing themselves and technology is transforming the nature and pace of education and wok. Throughout my working career and educational path, I have experienced these changes and strongly believe that a master's degree will give me the necessary tools to better understand today's fast-paced lifestyle. There are also three main reasons that have inspired me to continue my education which are personal achievement, educational attainment and career advancement.
As the oldest daughter of two professors, education has been part of my life since I was a little girl. I grew up in a small town in Mexico where my parents owned for almost 20 years a private school from Kindergarten to High school. School was literately my second home. "It is never too late to pursue your goals" my grandma used to say and she definitely set that example, she graduated from nursing school at the age of 52 in Mexico City worked for a clinic and also consulted patients at her home. It was not easy for her since my grandfather was the typical "macho man" that did not want his wife to work, but grandma was persistent and accomplished her dream. Their life styles changed completely and were able to pay their house and travel more. When my father moved to Chicago even though he did not know the language very well; he enrolled in Northern Illinois University and obtained his master's in Education at the age of 52. The spirit of perseverance is in our blood. At the age of 21, I moved to Chicago; it took me longer to graduate because I spent a year in an ESL (English as a Second Language) program, but I received an associate's degree in International Business when I was 24 and a bachelor's from DePaul University at the age of 27. I was already married and with a kid. My ancestors have been true believers of continuing education and I cannot be the exception. My goal is to set a new family record by obtaining my master's degree before the age of 40. Hopefully, my kids will be inspired by their previous generations and will continue studying as part of a family tradition.
Having a school as a second home helped me see education as a positive and fun experience. I really enjoy learning. It fascinates me how the teaching system has changed over the past 10 years. The use of technology has really replaced most of the personal teaching experience we used to have back in the days. Call me old fashion, but I still like the fact of having a one on one with professors and read books versus emailing professors and read e-books. One of the main reasons I decided to enroll at NAU is because they offer the best of both worlds. Through the cohort program, NAU allow students to meet for class with a professor once a week and at the same time; they are exposed to the new online system by participating on web boards, discussions, and even taking tests online. This is a great way to work and interact with a group of professionals to achieve a common goal in today's changing world. I want to be familiar with the new use of technology applied in today's learning system. This will help me to have an open mind to better understand my kids while they are in school. I want to be able to assist them with the latest technology thorough out their education. I have already noticed changes such as seeing my 10 year old daughter taking typing classes in 5th grade. I remember I took typing classes in high school! Computers nowadays are not a luxury anymore, but a necessity for today's learning system.
Nowadays, the new world of work is complex, ambiguous, changing, diverse and global. I have carried too many titles in the past 10 years of my working experience. Most of my job related experience has been in the private sector, but when I moved from Chicago to Tucson, I wanted to kill two birds with one stone. Working at the University of Arizona has helped me gain experience in the public sector and also continue my educational goals. The benefit of getting tuition reimbursement is too good to be ignored. I was lacking experience in diplomacy and the bureaucratic field and every day, I have an opportunity to sharpen those skills at my current position. I am hoping to pursue new opportunities within the University once I complete my master's in leadership and obtain enough experience in the public sector.
Every day, we are challenged with new situations at work and the fact to apply the right knowledge to solve a problem in different ways is fascinating. I really enjoy what I do and acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. I am confident that the Masters program will help me sharpened my skills and overcome my weaknesses. The workforce is changing by the minute, the use of technology, diversified work force and outsourcing demands us to manage ourselves by doing more for less. We are challenged on a daily basis and if we are not prepared or up to date in understanding the changes affecting our organization, we will not be able to perform our jobs efficiently.
As the oldest daughter of two professors, education has been part of my life since I was a little girl. I grew up in a small town in Mexico where my parents owned for almost 20 years a private school from Kindergarten to High school. School was literately my second home. "It is never too late to pursue your goals" my grandma used to say and she definitely set that example, she graduated from nursing school at the age of 52 in Mexico City worked for a clinic and also consulted patients at her home. It was not easy for her since my grandfather was the typical "macho man" that did not want his wife to work, but grandma was persistent and accomplished her dream. Their life styles changed completely and were able to pay their house and travel more. When my father moved to Chicago even though he did not know the language very well; he enrolled in Northern Illinois University and obtained his master's in Education at the age of 52. The spirit of perseverance is in our blood. At the age of 21, I moved to Chicago; it took me longer to graduate because I spent a year in an ESL (English as a Second Language) program, but I received an associate's degree in International Business when I was 24 and a bachelor's from DePaul University at the age of 27. I was already married and with a kid. My ancestors have been true believers of continuing education and I cannot be the exception. My goal is to set a new family record by obtaining my master's degree before the age of 40. Hopefully, my kids will be inspired by their previous generations and will continue studying as part of a family tradition.
Having a school as a second home helped me see education as a positive and fun experience. I really enjoy learning. It fascinates me how the teaching system has changed over the past 10 years. The use of technology has really replaced most of the personal teaching experience we used to have back in the days. Call me old fashion, but I still like the fact of having a one on one with professors and read books versus emailing professors and read e-books. One of the main reasons I decided to enroll at NAU is because they offer the best of both worlds. Through the cohort program, NAU allow students to meet for class with a professor once a week and at the same time; they are exposed to the new online system by participating on web boards, discussions, and even taking tests online. This is a great way to work and interact with a group of professionals to achieve a common goal in today's changing world. I want to be familiar with the new use of technology applied in today's learning system. This will help me to have an open mind to better understand my kids while they are in school. I want to be able to assist them with the latest technology thorough out their education. I have already noticed changes such as seeing my 10 year old daughter taking typing classes in 5th grade. I remember I took typing classes in high school! Computers nowadays are not a luxury anymore, but a necessity for today's learning system.
Nowadays, the new world of work is complex, ambiguous, changing, diverse and global. I have carried too many titles in the past 10 years of my working experience. Most of my job related experience has been in the private sector, but when I moved from Chicago to Tucson, I wanted to kill two birds with one stone. Working at the University of Arizona has helped me gain experience in the public sector and also continue my educational goals. The benefit of getting tuition reimbursement is too good to be ignored. I was lacking experience in diplomacy and the bureaucratic field and every day, I have an opportunity to sharpen those skills at my current position. I am hoping to pursue new opportunities within the University once I complete my master's in leadership and obtain enough experience in the public sector.
Every day, we are challenged with new situations at work and the fact to apply the right knowledge to solve a problem in different ways is fascinating. I really enjoy what I do and acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. I am confident that the Masters program will help me sharpened my skills and overcome my weaknesses. The workforce is changing by the minute, the use of technology, diversified work force and outsourcing demands us to manage ourselves by doing more for less. We are challenged on a daily basis and if we are not prepared or up to date in understanding the changes affecting our organization, we will not be able to perform our jobs efficiently.