As I prepare to exit the HALE program and re-enter the world of work, I have mixed emotions. For the last two years of my life, I have been in an academic whirlwind of reading articles and analyzing theories, while developing my own perspective on issues in higher and adult education. Somewhere along this journey, I became quite comfortable and began to feel a sense of home in the HALE Program and Erickson Hall. Just as I began to settled in, it is time for me to leave and start a new adventure.
While I am confident in my professional abilities, the emotions associated with starting over leave me feeling bewildered. Nonetheless, I recognize that these are “feelings” and they will change.
As I prepare for another chapter in my life, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. The lessons of graduate school extend beyond the building walls to encompass the community. Those sound like words from an experiential learning educator.The ability to think and write may sound like simplistic skills to coming from a Master’s candidate, but it is upon these foundational skills that my further learning has been established.
Commitments
I am committed to becoming more technological savvy. Designing my portfolio has revealed the need to constantly improve my ability to use technology. This was my first time creating a website, although I have secretly wanted one for years. I can remember thinking building a site takes a lot of time and skills that I do not have. That myth has been dispelled with the development of this portfolio. I am proud of my work here, although it has been a true labor of love and energy. As an instructor, I can mentally design new learning experiences. Yet, not having the technological skills to bring those experiences to life could be a true detriment to my career and I refuse to let that manifest. I will maintain an updated website related to my career.
I am committed to staying connected to scholarship. In that regard, I will subscribe to journals related to leadership development, training, adult education, and policy analysis.
I am committed to being a reflective practitioner. I never want to get so beside myself that I forget to reflect over my work.
I am committed to building relationships. Relationships are critical to personal and professional success.
Future Plans
I will work as a trainer and leadership development coach for business and government leaders.
While working over the next couple of years, I will prepare to return to the academy as a doctoral student in adult education. Currently, I am reviewing programs at the University of Georgia.