Learning Has Become My Life
By: Jane Reynolds
Applying to the Michigan State MAED program made me incredibly nervous for several different reasons. How would I possibly have time to get all of my homework done while teaching full time? What would it be like to be in school online? Would I actually be able to learn enough without ever stepping foot into a classroom? Would my master's degree actually feel like I earned it? When my mom called to let me know that I received something in the mail from MSU, I knew that I would have to throw these concerns to the side and jump into my master's degree full force.
Even though I was initially very nervous about continuing my education, I always knew that I would be eventually going back to school. Both of my parents went back to school; my father has his master's degree and my mom went to law school. "If" was never the question, the question was "when" and "how" would I further my education. After having moved to North Carolina, I felt very strongly that I wanted to continue my education through Michigan State University, so the uncharted territory of online learning was my only option.
Once starting my first class, a lot of my fears about the continuing my education went away. I was learning on my own time, in my own space, and with a supportive learning community that I never actually saw face to face. I never saw myself as someone who could easily learn on my own, but this is exactly what I was doing. In the past I would turn to the people around me to help me through a problem, but with no people to physically turn to, I learned quickly how to find my own answers to my own questions. Yes, if I truly got stuck there were people to go to for help, but it was a much different environment than working with people in a classroom on a daily basis. I have found that finding answers on my own and exploring available resources has greatly changed the way I see myself as a learner.
As I am nearing the completion of the MAED program I have a different view of myself as a learner, and also have a different view of learning in general. I now see that I am an independent learner who is willing, and able, to search for knowledge, understanding, and insight on my own. I do not feel dependent on the people around me to give me answers to my questions, but have learned that I am very capable of searching for information and learning on my own. I have also learned a lot about learning while completing this program. Teachers are taught that students should explore an idea and create their understanding. As a teacher, I am comfortable placing my students in this situation but was never in this situation myself. As a student who is completing a program, I now understand how valuable these learning situations are in actually learning something.
Yes, I soon will no longer be an MAED student, but my education is no where near complete. As a teacher, I am always given opportunities to attend professional development, am asked to learn a new program, am expected to grow and expand as a teacher. These learning opportunities may be in a very formal setting (a college class) or very informal (searching for answers online), but I am determined to take each and every one of these opportunities.
In my Goal Statement, I explained that I want to become a literacy facilitator, reading coach, or even a district reading consultant. Each of these positions will require me to constantly learn and grow as a person. I know that I will always be looking for more ways to help me accomplish these goals whether it is more formal education or informal learning on my own. Learning has become a way of life that I cannot imagine changing anytime soon. I may end up perusing another master's degree, in a PHD program, or following my dream of becoming a facilitator or reading coach. Even though I am not entirely sure where life will take me, I am certain that my education will continue.
Even though I was initially very nervous about continuing my education, I always knew that I would be eventually going back to school. Both of my parents went back to school; my father has his master's degree and my mom went to law school. "If" was never the question, the question was "when" and "how" would I further my education. After having moved to North Carolina, I felt very strongly that I wanted to continue my education through Michigan State University, so the uncharted territory of online learning was my only option.
Once starting my first class, a lot of my fears about the continuing my education went away. I was learning on my own time, in my own space, and with a supportive learning community that I never actually saw face to face. I never saw myself as someone who could easily learn on my own, but this is exactly what I was doing. In the past I would turn to the people around me to help me through a problem, but with no people to physically turn to, I learned quickly how to find my own answers to my own questions. Yes, if I truly got stuck there were people to go to for help, but it was a much different environment than working with people in a classroom on a daily basis. I have found that finding answers on my own and exploring available resources has greatly changed the way I see myself as a learner.
As I am nearing the completion of the MAED program I have a different view of myself as a learner, and also have a different view of learning in general. I now see that I am an independent learner who is willing, and able, to search for knowledge, understanding, and insight on my own. I do not feel dependent on the people around me to give me answers to my questions, but have learned that I am very capable of searching for information and learning on my own. I have also learned a lot about learning while completing this program. Teachers are taught that students should explore an idea and create their understanding. As a teacher, I am comfortable placing my students in this situation but was never in this situation myself. As a student who is completing a program, I now understand how valuable these learning situations are in actually learning something.
Yes, I soon will no longer be an MAED student, but my education is no where near complete. As a teacher, I am always given opportunities to attend professional development, am asked to learn a new program, am expected to grow and expand as a teacher. These learning opportunities may be in a very formal setting (a college class) or very informal (searching for answers online), but I am determined to take each and every one of these opportunities.
In my Goal Statement, I explained that I want to become a literacy facilitator, reading coach, or even a district reading consultant. Each of these positions will require me to constantly learn and grow as a person. I know that I will always be looking for more ways to help me accomplish these goals whether it is more formal education or informal learning on my own. Learning has become a way of life that I cannot imagine changing anytime soon. I may end up perusing another master's degree, in a PHD program, or following my dream of becoming a facilitator or reading coach. Even though I am not entirely sure where life will take me, I am certain that my education will continue.