My Norwich University Experience : Random Observations

Do I Need a 12-Step Program?

WheelCipher — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT

I have never been a drug addict, but I have learned through documentaries and other reading that addicts spend a lot of their time just finding their next fix. I wonder if there is such thing as an education addict. I know this post may seem a little humorous at this point, but I am serious. I am probably not the first person to be an education addict, and might not be the last. Nevertheless, what constitutes “an education addict”?

I have spent the last three weeks or so coming to a few realizations –

(1) I am fairly burned out with school after going for six years straight with no meaningful break in between degrees

(2) I could very well have a workload with the new job that does not allow for another degree without one of them suffering in some respect

(3) If I get another degree, what would I get out of it? Would it be worth the time invested? So few people, including professors, have (maybe) three degrees

(4) I spend a lot of time thinking about “the end” that is coming up soon at Norwich and seem (for the most part) to be glad it is getting closer

All are signs that maybe it is time to put this thing to rest. Maybe it is time to move on with life.

I just need to stop doing Google searches for “online master’s degrees”. That would solve most of the problems I write about here. However, I cannot seem to stop searching for the next level of knowledge. Thus, I find the Online Master's in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.

I look at the course list and my brain fires up much like the space shuttle does when it launches into space. Leadership and organizational structure-type subjects are what I love to learn more about. I have a small fortune that I have spent on books that are in queue to be read. One at a time, I take them off the shelf. Someday I’ll get through them. Nevertheless, in the mean time, is another degree in my future.

Is there a 12-step program for this?

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The Walden PhD

WheelCipher — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I took the huge step the next stage of my quest for educational enrichment yesterday by calling Walden University to inquire about their PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences. Some might not consider calling and asking for information as a big step, but I believe it to be a huge step. The fact that I did it tells me that deep down inside I really want to follow through with it. I have been on the fence for so long and could not make up my mind. Actually making contact was a big step for me.

From what I can tell thus far is that the program is usually about 4 years in length. Some people do it a little quicker and some take longer. The good thing is that some of my credits from Norwich University will transfer in and eliminate the need to take some of the core courses in the program. This will knock off a year from the original schedule. That brings it down to three years. This is more manageable for me. It’s twice as long as my MBA and does put some things into a time/space perspective.

If I had no transfer credits, the program would cost over $70,000 when it’s all over. That’s about as much as my undergrad and MBA combined. Ouch! My tuition will be somewhat less if I am able to transfer some credits into the program. That’s a lot of money. But I hope I can get a teaching position somewhere to help cover those costs. I think that’s what I ultimately want to do.

The next class (after my MBA graduation) starts September 7. I will have about three month off between degree programs. Perhaps the reality and gravity of what I am facing will kick in during those three months. Maybe not. We shall see what happens.

I will process some thoughts and share at a later time. If anyone has a PhD, I would appreciate some feedback on this potential journey. I like to go into situations like this with as much information as I can get my hands on.

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Weekend Roundup

WheelCipher — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:25:00 GMT

Today will be a weekend roundup post. Work has been hectic and has put a crimp in my motivation to post to the blog and to get school work done. We’re doing annual reviews, pay increases, coaching, training, and all the things that make this place go. Inspiration for writing comes and goes. We have four weeks left in International Business and I am having mixed thoughts about the class. Maybe my thoughts are too centered on this week’s assignment: International Marketing.

This is essentially the second “touch” on marketing we’ve had. A few terms ago, we had an entire seminar on it. I normally like marketing. I like the psychology behind finding out what people want and shaping the message that entices them to buy that product. The first marketing class was very complex and just showed what an elementary perspective I had on the topic. This week (and I am glad it’s only a week) we’re doing International Marketing. It’s making my brain hurt. It is very complex and my classmates are of the same mindset that I am. We’re very much looking forward to this being over.

Part of that feeling could be because after these last four weeks, we only have one more class to go. Then we do our one-week residency and graduation. I am so glad that I was able to land in a program that was a year and a half. Most MBA programs are two years. It’s rough, to say the least. My candle is certainly burning at both ends and suspect it will burn out in the second week of June when this is all over.

What’s next? Who knows? I am often contemplating going back to school after a small break. But I change my mind every day.

On a lighter note, I found a great article that you might enjoy. Talk about dedication!!!

Twenty-seven degrees and counting: Kalamazoo man enjoys the 'freedom' of intellectual pursuits

You might say Michael Nicholson has a passion for learning. The 67-year-old Kalamazoo retiree has amassed 27 college degrees since 1963, and he's not done yet.

He started with a bachelor's degree in religious education at William Tyndale College in Detroit. That led to a master's degree in theology at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Since then, he has earned two associate's degrees, 19 master's degrees, three specialist's degrees and one doctoral degree.

Inaugural Addresses

WheelCipher — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Today is a very historic day with the inauguration of Barack Obama. I am not a “political” person by nature, but I will set aside time to watch this event. Since I will be working, I have installed a Slingbox at my house so I can watch my TV on my laptop from work. My goal today is to touch on history. Many agree that the two most influential inaugural addresses in history are Abraham Lincoln’s second address and Thomas Jefferson’s first address. Here are links and highlights from both and how they relate to today’s activities.

JEFFERSON

A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry, engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye, when I contemplate these transcendent objects, and see the honor, the happiness, and the hopes of this beloved country committed to the issue, and the auspices of this day, I shrink from the contemplation, and humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking.

…

I repair, then, fellow-citizens, to the post you have assigned me. With experience enough in subordinate offices to have seen the difficulties of this the greatest of all, I have learnt to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and the favor which bring him into it. Without pretensions to that high confidence you reposed in our first and greatest revolutionary character, whose preeminent services had entitled him to the first place in his country's love and destined for him the fairest page in the volume of faithful history, I ask so much confidence only as may give firmness and effect to the legal administration of your affairs. I shall often go wrong through defect of judgment. When right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will never be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who may condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts. The approbation implied by your suffrage is a great consolation to me for the past, and my future solicitude will be to retain the good opinion of those who have bestowed it in advance, to conciliate that of others by doing them all the good in my power, and to be instrumental to the happiness and freedom of all.

LINCOLN

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.

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Reflections on 2008

WheelCipher — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:52:00 GMT

This past year has been a non-stop challenge for me. I started my MBA program at Norwich University in December of last year, so I have been pushing forward for a year. In looking back, I am so very glad that the program at Norwich is only a year and a half for me. I was able to get quite a bit of credit based on my undergrad degree and my work history. If I were looking at one more year of school, I think I’d dread it. Instead, I am counting down the last five months until graduation.

At the same time, I don’t want to make 2008 seem like a “down” year for me. It was exciting getting accepted into a very good program. The challenges that have been presented are like no others that I have experienced. I have stuck with it through thick and thin and have enjoyed all of it.

I am debating my next move. Do I continue to go to school after graduation by pursuing another Masters degree or a Ph.D program or do I just stop and be happy with what I have accomplished over the last six years of going to school online? These are very hard questions that I don’t have the answers to. To give it up completely would be like abandoning a very important hobby or a job that I’ve had. At the same time, I do need to get on with normal life at some point.

I am looking forward to 2009 and graduation in the second week of June. I am looking forward to the trip to Vermont for my residency and completion of the program. This coming year promises to be filled with challenges and excitement. I can’t wait to see what is around the corner for me.

No New Year’s resolutions for me. I will keep my nose to the ground and keep pushing forward. I’ll take a breath in June when I am done. My brain might very well explode at that point from overuse and abuse, but that’s OK. I will walk away happy.

I hope everyone has a great new year!

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