Blog Entry #2 = College? But, WHY????

Ok, I promised you that I was going to make my Blogs personal, right? Yet, I still want to keep it interesting, engaging and honest for a diverse audience. So,why did I choose this blog to be about College? Because, I wanted to share with all of you, the experiences and opportunities that having a College Degree can offer.

May, 2016

My husband, Ma’moun, finished his enrollment process for his Master’s degree. And, began his first class towards his Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Government policies. WOW! My husband, who has his Bachelor’s in English Literature from Jordan AND English is his SECOND language is going for his Master’s?  

"Really, Melinda???"  

"Really, you don't have your college degree?"

REALITY HIT!!!

Flash forward…..August 2016

I did my “due diligence,” went over all the possible degrees that I could do that would be quick & give me a degree. Okay, unfair advantage. I have taken college classes since the 90's off and on over the years. So, an Associate’s degree was the quickest and easiest way to get a degree under my belt!

Now, I had to decide WHAT area of study? 

So, I looked at what do I enjoy? Well, that list was lengthy! 

Radiology

Computer Tech 

Money, Management, Power, Wealth, Authority, to be RICH! 

Okay, back to reality, but….

How could I make a decision when I had so many interests & so many generic courses that I had taken? 

I questioned myself some more. WHY do I need a college degree? I have so much job experience in training and leadership, why do I need a degree?

That's when it came to me! My experience was in the business world. 

Management, Leadership and Training

Let’s look at some facts:

1 = According to statistics, and Entrepreneur.com/article/271206, in 2014 the Economic Policy Institute stated that those with a college degree earned 98% more per hour than those with no degree.

What The …? That stopped me cold in my tracks! That’s money that I’m leaving on the table, just because I’m not a college grad? Oh, NO WAY!

But wait….there’s more!!!!

2 = With a college degree, you are immediately more marketable. 

Say What??? You mean, I have more than 20 years customer service experience and Anthony “Associate Degree” Recent Graduate is going to get more interviews and more opportunities because he finished school??? Oh, "H - E - Double Toothpicks", No! I am NOT going to let that happen.

The Present…October 2016

Per my husband encouraging me, my family supporting me and my own commitment, I decided to go back to school and complete my Associate’s degree. I narrowed the choices down based on my work experience. 

It’s true I have over 20 years customer service, call center and management experience behind me. So, I chose an Associates of Applied Science in Organizational Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.

As of May 2017, with a little more encouragement, a lot more support and an even bigger commitment, I plan to be a proud Alumni of Glendale Community College with my experience and college degree in hand!

Do you NEED a College Degree????  NAHHHHH

Do you WANT to make more Money?????  YEAHHHHHH

A College Degree will help you to attain ALL of your goals!

Including the intangible benefits, like….having access to some great resources, gaining knowledge, and the benefit of learning a life lesson about self-discipline!

By the way, my husband, the "Master's Degree" student, just received his membership to the United Nations - USA, Scottsdale, Arizona chapter. Why am I telling you this? Because this is kudos to his college, Grand Canyon University, his program  in Public Administration and his pushy wife who won't stop promoting her husband to be the best!

So, College? Yeah! Do it! Make a change TODAY for your FUTURE!!! 

It may have taken me from 1990 to 2017 to get an Associate's degree,

at least I can say...

"Yo, Ma'moun!  

I DID IT!"