My goal to pursue
a bachelor’s degree is best stated by the founder of Cities Service Company
(Citgo), Henry L. Doherty, who stated, “Get over the idea that only children
should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have
something to learn, and this will mean all your life.”
A year and a half
ago, I was once again stuck in a routine, unchallenging position. It seemed
that all the administrative and management positions required a four year
degree. I decided to pursue my lifelong goal of finishing school. Armed with an
associates degree plus ten mismatched courses obtained in the last forty years,
I applied to Charter Oak State College. My first week was both exhilarating and
grueling as I tackled two courses in an eight week period. The work load was immense
and one afternoon I just sat forlornly at my computer desk while tears streamed
down my cheeks. As I gained my composure, I vowed to forge ahead and do my
best. I wasn’t giving up and if I couldn’t handle the academics, at least I
tried. Failure, to me is not trying. To
date, I’ve completed thirty additional credits at Charter Oak and the
experience has changed my thought process and how I live my life.
There are
multiple reasons that propelled me in choosing business administration for a
concentration. I am a natural entrepreneur and enjoy being innovative. My key management strength is getting things
done. I function at my best by taking charge, making decisions and finding the
strengths in others to work successfully as a team. Working on team projects in my courses, I
either volunteered as team leader or was chosen by members of my group. The
business administration concentration is diverse and I’ve been challenged in
many areas. Organizational Behavior taught
me to think about motivation in the workplace in an innovative way and the
importance of company culture. When asked on an assignment in Business Ethics, “What
is one activity that you know if you did superbly well and consistently would
have significant positive results in you professional or work life?” I
answered, “Becoming a better musician and sharing the joy of music with others.” I am striving to accomplish this goal. Just
over a year ago, I started a nonprofit company that provides music for
housebound seniors and memorial services. I can see the look of doubt in your
eyes, but after extensive research, this was a much needed program. We now have
26 members that play various instruments and/or sing that donate their time.
The service is provided for a free will donation or at no charge to those who
cannot afford it (although everyone has graciously donated so far). I can’t begin to explain how rewarding and
spiritual this has been, touching the lives of people and their families in
need. A course elective in Nonprofit Management was instrumental in guiding me
through the start up.
As Erma Bombeck
says “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would
not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you
gave me.” I love this quote and it
exemplifies that we are here for a purpose and to use what gifts we
possess. As I strive to find out what is
important to me and how to achieve happiness, this quote puts a lot into
perspective. It’s not the “things” in life that we acquire; it’s the relationships
and purpose of life that drives the spark within us. Living a life of purpose is my greatest goal.
My philosophy of life draws from my upbringing and faith incorporating
knowledge, values, and ethics in a sweet journey of my personal and business
life. How to implement these goals is a constant struggle for me. Life throws you many unwanted obstacles and
it’s the choices that you make in response that makes life more purposeful.
Having the ability to learn and grow makes it easy. In finishing my degree at
Charter Oak, I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.
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