The biggest challenge I have faced thus far in learning in an academic environment would have to be time management.
As an adult learner with children, one does not always have enough time to devote to their studies. Therefore, by making my own education a priority I shall be able to give my best effort and apply the knowledge I have as an adult learner and process the information needed in order to succeed. Having children does not mean that I am not going to be able to succeed.In order for me to succeed as an adult learner I have to make my education my first priority over everything else.
Using my time wisely, while the children are in school I am able to do the bulk of my studying undisturbed. After they have gone to bed for the night I will be able to get right back to my studies. During the time that I am devoting to parenting and household obligations I can do what needs to be done. I will be able to cook, clean, and do various other tasks that come along with not only being a student, but a parent and a wife as well.
These are just a few of the things I need to adjust so that I can manage my time wisely. I have been away from the classroom for over a year. It has been extremely hard for me to get back into study mode. Over the last few weeks, deciding to get back into school has given me more confidence in the fact that I am going to be able to finish this time. The yearlong break enabled me to focus solely on my family and not me.
In utilizing what I have already learned, both in my online education and my classroom education I know that I will have challenges such as time management, however, being able to correctly manage my time is on the top of my list. Finishing college has not been a part of my daily plans until recently. I am very fortunate that my husband is a good provider. He wanted me to focus on my education instead of reentering the work force. I had thought just going out and getting a job. I planned on waiting until my kids were a bit older before coming back to school.
I finally realized that I was not setting a very good example for my children. I constantly tell them to do their best in school, when they clearly knew that their mom was not following her own advice. Weekend College is going to help me achieve my own academic success, and then when I am done, I will have accomplished what I initially set out to do. My goal is to be able to have a job that I can not only be proud of, but an occupation that will allow me to help others, possibly children.Having a child with pecial needs is what is leading me to seek out a prospective occupational choice that will enable me to work with special needs children.
Weekend College is also going to help me with time management. Only having to be in the classroom one or two days a week will enable me to be a student, a parent and a wife all at the same time. With that being said, time management (at first) seems to be my biggest academic challenge, however, if I plan wisely time management will no longer be my biggest academic challenge.
