My Goal Reflection
My decision to pursue a master's degree at Michigan State University (MSU) was a very personal one. I know that this may be different than many other graduate school candidates. First and foremost, I wanted to finally earn an education degree. My undergraduate degree from Arizona State University is in Family and Human Development. I did do my internship as a student teacher, but I did not graduate away with a teaching certificate. After a few years in the workforce and some substitute teaching, I finally earned my teaching license through an alternative certification program in Florida. I taught for several years in many states, but I feel it is important to have a teaching degree. My second goal was more personal. Graduating with a degree from MSU is a huge personal accomplishment for me. I grew up in Grand Ledge and Haslett, Michigan. My parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are Spartans. Just before my freshman year of high school my family moved across the country. I graduated high school and college in Arizona. I got married, became a teacher and had children of my own. Through all of that I always hoped that one day I would have the opportunity and privilege of becoming a Spartan.
Four years later my goals are very similar. The personal portion of my goals are still there and probably even more important. Having worked so hard over several years and overcoming personal obstacles, I hope I have been an inspiration to my children. I also learned through this experience that earning my degree was a point of personal fulfillment. Being a MSU Spartan was always special to me and now I know how hard I have worked and the amazing skill I have received. I am thrilled to be on the brink of having my education degree and to have accomplished such a personally fulfilling goal.
After completing the coursework for the Masters of Education in Educational Technology (MAET) degree my goal is to have the marketable skills to pursue any future career opportunities, including those out of the classroom. I do feel that I want to stay in the classroom for a bit longer, and use my newfound knowledge, skills and experience for my students and colleagues. But I now see how my educational technology knowledge and experience can be helpful to companies outside of the general education classroom. I look forward to what is in my future!
I have worked hard to achieve the unique and personal goals that I had set for myself. I do look forward to the professional opportunities that may come from this experience. It is an added bonus! Simply stated, I pursued a MAET degree because I wanted to! I couldn’t be happier with my experience, education and accomplishment. Go Green!