I was working a full time, starting a graduate assistantship, and raising my son; all things that were lining me up to be successful in both my professional and personal life. At the time, I had just completed my undergraduate degree and was working in a residential facility assisting youth twelve to eighteen years of age. These youth had either a history of abuse or neglect. With advancement in my position at work, I knew it was necessary to equip myself with the tools to become a better leader. This ultimately meant I would have to further my education. While exploring graduate programs I knew the program would have to be fully online to accommodate my lifestyle. I was working a full time, starting a graduate assistantship, and raising my son; all things that were lining me up to be successful in both my professional and personal life. I guess you could say that’s why I applied to the Masters of Arts in Education (MAED) program at MSU. The program was solely online, which would give me the opportunity to work at my own pace and on my own timing. Within the MAED program my concentration would be focused on P-12 school and postsecondary leadership. This concentration would give me more valuable insight on how to become a better leader while working a targeted age group.

 

          My goals have changed slightly from the beginning of my journey to now through the MAED program. At the beginning of the MAED program with my concentration in P-12 school and postsecondary leadership I found the courses to be somewhat similar to the ones I took during my undergraduate career. One course in particular caught my interest and I was immediately intrigued. This course gave me more insight on how to work with students I was already working with, as well as giving me the ability to increase my leadership skills. Resulting in me changing my concentration to special education during my first semester of graduate school.  As I was gaining knowledge with the materials offered in the special education course I started to become more confident in my abilities to work with troubled youth. In return I am a better leader at work. With my increased skills I was given recognition in the way of a promotion to supervisor. 

 

          During my time in the MAED program I was given the chance to be a graduate assistant for the Varsity S. Club. I am tasked with working alongside current athletes on the football team and helping them transition from being an athlete to being a productive member of society. I was also given the opportunity to put together the yearly banquet for the club. Currently my goals have remained the same. However, they have slightly increased to new heights that I could never have imagined when I began the MAED program. Due to my increased skills I have received total of three job offers that I can start after the completion of my Master of Arts through the College of Education by the end of the spring 2016. While achieving my original goals, new goals, and opportunities that have become a part my graduate work I find joy in what it is that I am studying. One of the biggest things that I have taking from my time in the MAED program is that learning never stops. In order to be the best teacher for your students you have to first increase your own knowledge continuously. Gordon B. Hinckley said “A truly educated man never ceases to learn.”