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Obstacles to Learning
As a thirty-one-year old husband, father-to-be, and professional, I have come to realize that I have many new challenges to face as I start back into school. Challenges I never had to consider ten years ago when I first attempted a degree. I face ever-growing obligations at work, a wife and very soon, a young child, and the motivation to complete a project I started ten years ago. I have overcome the first obstacle, however; I have overcome the guilt that I should have finished this degree many years ago.
Work
As a thirty-one-year old professional well into my career, I must face the obstacle of the social stigma of "going back to school." Many co-workers scoff at the idea and remark to me, "you haven't already finished your degree?" My Boss' first reaction was to tell me that perhaps if I had time to go back to school, then maybe he is not giving me enough work. The obstacle to overcome at work will be dealing with the jealousy and negativity in a cutthroat work environment.
I feel the best strategy to overcoming this challenge at work is to share with my Boss the goals and objectives I have for completing my degree. I need to make him feel he is a part of "Team Me" and not just sitting on the sidelines. I need to help him realize how important it is to me to complete this degree, and how important his support is to the process. I also need to emphasize that come graduation day, I will be a much more valuable asset to him with the knowledge and experience I have gained.
In the book "Keys to College Studying: Becoming An Active Thinker," the authors recommend keeping others informed and keeping track of major commitments on a monthly calendar and using group calendars ...