Time (Definitely) Well Spent!

Time well spent is an understatement!  I have wanted to return to school since the day I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree.  Somehow, I always managed to find a reason why it wasn’t possible.  Periodically, I would search for a program that peaked my interest but I always backed away.   My problem was that I didn’t really know what I wanted to be when I grew up (which, of course, never really happens).  I stumbled on Walden’s program by accident and thought, maybe someday.  Then the inevitable happened..I was told I would need to complete my Masters degree if I wanted to continue teaching at my local community college.  That was all it took, I enrolled the very next day and I have never regretted it for a moment. 

Over the last year and a half, I have been frequently reminded of my passions for children, families and the people who care for them.  I have learned so much about myself and our profession.  Through many sleepless nights and long weekends, I managed to persevere as I explored my beliefs, values and biases.  I find that I am driven to educate others on the importance of culture and diversity, caring for our communities and caring for each other.  

It is my deepest desire to teach at the college level full time.  I hope I can provide my students with opportunities to truly engage and think critically about their beliefs, values and aspirations.  I will carry the lessons of Walden with me into the classroom as I encourage my students to consider their role in creating social change so that children everywhere have access to an equitable education.

I am forever changed and I have my instructors and colleagues to thank for that.  Every week, I have been inspired by the experiences, insights and feedback of each and every one of you.  We are the leaders of today and tomorrow and I have no doubt we will succeed wherever we go and whatever we do.  We pushed each other to be the best and to dig deeper in every discussion post, paper and blog assignment.  Together, we have accomplished what we set out to do and I am proud of all of us for what we have achieved.  In the process, we forged lifelong professional associations and friendships.  I cannot wait to see where this journey takes all of us.  

As I write this final blog entry, I am reflecting on how quickly we have accomplished our goals.  It’s funny, I wouldn’t have said that six months ago when I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.  As I reflect upon my experience, I can’t help but think about how life has gone on around me.  My beautiful daughter completed middle school and her freshman year of high school.  My incredible son graduated from high school and is now a freshman in college.  My wonderful step-daughter completed college and made the difficult decision to move away from her mother and into our home in a completely different state.  I hope all three of them know how proud I am of them and that they have been my inspiration.  My husband spent a lot of weekends taking care of the house, cooking meals, doing laundry and running a taxi service for our children so I could research and write another paper.  My best friend finished her associate’s degree and will complete her bachelor’s in just a few days (and spent many long distance hours on the phone offering moral support)!  Now, a long-distance celebration is definitely in order.  I hope they all know how much I love them and appreciate all they have done to support me throughout this incredible journey!!  I must admit that I am looking forward to rediscovering my life and my family (and I cannot wait to read a good book that has nothing to do with research or statistics).

I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out and keep in touch.  I am easily reached on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/teri.canupppeasley?ref=tn_tnmn.