Monday, January 24, 2022

Realizing I need a college education

Being in the casino business for 21 years, I finally decided, that's not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I have thought of going back to college for some time now, but never actually took action, something always came up. Then the pandemic happens. Being in quarantine gives me a lot of time to think and I realized I did not like my job, mainly the hours. Then I got called back to work, my staff cut in half, less staff means double the workload, now I really don't want to be here I thought to myself.

I called CSN inquiring about the classes I took in the past, wondering if after seven years my credits were still there, and if I could apply them to a different degree, I was excited to find I could. I started having doubts during the enrollment process, especially when I noticed most of the classes were online or hybrid. I got very excited, anxious, and confused all at the same time, not sure what to expect. I got a welcome back email from CSN that put a smile on my face. I didn't check my student email after that not on purpose just not use to it. Then I got a text from Professor Wu about a WebEx meeting. After talking to Professor Wu I was convinced I could do this, I felt better about coming back. 

I am very excited to continue down this path to a brighter future. This time I intend to see it through to the end.

16 comments:

  1. I'm elated my proactive outreach convinced you that you can do this ^_^

    Your excitement is infectious!

    Welcome back to higher education and I'm proud to have you in IS101-3010, Spring 2022 :-)

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  2. I feel the exact same way, we got this, we can do it!

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  3. Feeling overwhelmed with all those emotions because you've been out of school for some time is something I can relate to myself. I hope that as we advance in the class, you'll feel more comfortable and used to the school setting.

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  4. Glad you were able to register and apply the credits that you have taken in the past to continue your education.

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  5. You made a great decision to create a better environment for your own work life. I believe you will get through everything in your academic path!

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  6. Welcome back to school. It seems the pandemic was a blessing in disguise.

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  7. Hey, I feel it, you want a different career and that's what everybody is here for. They come to college to start new or to get started in life. Good for you for making the change to college!

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  8. I know a few people working on the strip or in similar veins of work and I can see the appeal, but with Covid-19 I can totally see the want for a different lifestyle and work environment. The money may be nice, but I worry about the conditions of that line of work. I hope you find whatever you need in your college journey!

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  9. It's funny how your perspective changes with time.

    I remember when I got my job at the Bellagio; I was elated. Coming from a rural, low-wage area and landing a job on the Strip was, at the time, a huge deal to me.

    As time went on, though, it started to wear on me...the usual. "On-call" where I'd work for three weeks without a night off, and then suddenly not work for ten days. The ever-changing schedule, less hours during off-season.

    If some of these places would quit subjecting employees to practices like that, this whole "labor shortage" might not be a thing right now.

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  10. I can relate to the exact feelings you were having. Every emotion you described I had after completing the enrollment process. I too am back in school after many years. Good Luck in all your courses!

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  11. In the same boat, was prior military and everyone around me was in it for the long run. I just couldn't see myself retiring from another 13 years of service so I had to commit to a new path. Best wishes to you for a promising future.

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  12. Welcome back to school. The first step is always the hardest, but you did it and that was to take action and come back to school. Congratulations!

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  13. I also did not realize the value of a college education when I was younger but working at Wendy's I can really see a lot of people who hate their job and feel like they don't have a choice in the matter I realize now the value of a college education. I hope you enjoy your first semester at CSN.

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  14. Congratulations and finally deciding to further your college career! Wishing you academic success for the semester ahead!

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  15. That is so awesome, I hope that you learn all the things that you need to move forward and advance in anything that you are looking to do! Having knowledge and not being able to use it is very unfortunate.

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  16. It's never too late to continue where you left off! you got this!

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