Hello everyone everyone!
All I can say is what the heck happened for three weeks to have already gone by? Well like my life there’s so much going on it just flies by, as the single mother of three super amazing and very active kids I hit the ground running as soon as I get up into the morning. I don’t stop until very late in the evening. Some of you may have noticed I submit most of my assignments and discussions around 11:30 pm or even later. So to get things back on track my struggles, strengths, and surprises thus far…….
Sruggles
Well let’s start with the struggles. My biggest struggle has been finding enough time to get everything accomplished. From getting kids to and from practice, to games, to work, to coaching, to listening to my 8 year old read for 20 min. Oh crap they have to eat so I make dinner. Then it’s showers and bed time. After they go to bed I tuck them in, say good night and I love them. This is when I finally have a few moments to breath and collect my thoughts before jumping on my computer and knock out my school work. To be honest I’ve fallen asleep on my laptop. What do you do? You push forward. I’m still trying to find that healthy balance and use my time wisely but it seems like each week gets a little bit easier.
Strength
As each week passes I find new ways to make things work for me. My greatest strength is that I’ve always been a self starter and learner. Knowing how to find what I need to get the information I need as well. My favorite part is that have the freedom to work on my assignments when it’s convenient for me. I love that flexibility. When I’m doing research I take a picture of the assignment details on my phone. As I gather my information I can continue to refer back to make sure I’m getting the information I need. It’s been a great help and a time saver as well.
Surprises
My biggest surprise has been how interactive this experience has been. I actually feel like online may be better then actually being in a classroom. Our discussion boards give students strength to comment and express their opinions. Simply because there’s nobody to judge you. Sure we are all being judged in some way but the odds of us meeting face to face is just not likely. Personally, I feel more comfortable saying whatever comes to mind and sharing information on what works for me without feeling stupid or embarrassed. Which brings me to the next thing that surprised me was how many people feel the way I do or have experienced difficulty in learning. Many of our students have inspired me to try and do new things or look at a topic in a different light; to just open my eyes and give me new perspective.
I really just want to say thank you to everyone out there for all of your engagement and experience. I love hearing how life just happens and how everyone finds a way to push forward. Sorry I think I’m talking and just rambling on, it’s my first blog and I’m excited, scared and well as little sleep deprived. It’s a great day to be a Beaver!
It’s so amazing that you’ve found the time to do online school while also raising three children. That sounds like being busy endlessly, but I’m a firm believer that a busy life is a good one! I can totally see how finding enough time to accomplish what you need to for the week is a struggle, it would be for me as well. I like how you said that each week you’re finding new things that work for you. I think this is a very important life skill that can not only be beneficial to school work, but that you’re always figuring out what you need and how to get things done. I can see that you’re very motivated and I really enjoyed your post.
I definitely agree with you, a busy life is a happy life. I couldn’t even imagine what life would be like if I weren’t busy. Thank you for your feedback it’s much appreciated.
With all that your day throws at you it is awesome you are still able to stay determined to complete your education, even if it is in the latest hours of the day! I can totally relate to “hitting the ground running” from morning till bedtime at night and it can get pretty overwhelming especially if you have assignments that need to get done. Online learning does offer a more comfortable environment to freely express your thoughts without 20 pairs of eyes staring you down while you do so! I love how real and honest your blog was and for it being your first one you did a great job!
Thank you for your kind words. I really feel like this environment opens up a comfortable environment to express oneself which gives the entire class at opportunity to hear so many different views and opinions. I think this really gives us the best well rounded education.
I really agree with you about it having been/and being an open environment to share thoughts and feelings. I was apprehensive the first week and slowly warmed up to the new systems and classes. I’m so happy it was suggested to me that I take this class in my first term because it has helped me in a lot of different ways. Being able to communicate online is crucial so it is helpful that everyone is so involved with the discussions and sharing their experience.