¶ … education, and how my education has transformed my life by improving my self-confidence, upgrading my skills, and expanding my opportunities for personal and career success. This reflection and evaluation paper analyzes critically the value of my education at the University of Phoenix. I will discuss where I was before commencing the program, where I was during the program, and where I expect to be after graduation. In addition to discussing the peculiarities associated with receiving an online degree, I will outline my short-term and long-term goals as they relate to my course of study.
Before I began my studies at the University of Phoenix, I received most of my life skills, professional training, and character building through the American military. The military helped me to discover my talents and preferences with regards to a career, and brought out both my strengths and weaknesses. My professional career was steeped in military values and principles such as hard work and discipline. As a hierarchical organization with clear role differentiation, the military provides an ideal preparatory framework for many careers in large companies with similar organizational cultures and structures. Because I am interested in the field of healthcare, there is definite crossover between what I witnessed, learned, and practiced in the military and what I will be doing in the future.
Learning is a core component of my life, as I am a naturally inquisitive individual who is never satisfied simply to hear or read about a fact. I want to know the meaning behind what I learn, and I want to think critically. My level of professional competence in problem solving was high, given I had a degree of responsibility and
Likewise, information retrieval and utilization were daily tasks. Collaboration and teamwork are critical skills for a military personnel member to have and improve regularly. Therefore, I began my schooling at the University of Phoenix with a solid personal foundation, strong work ethic, and promising attitude. I was prepared to work hard, apply knowledge, perform research activities, communicate, and collaborate.
Evaluate
During my program of study, I have grown considerably in terms of being able to use critical and creative thinking in my personal and professional life. Before I started this degree program, I did not know much about health care management. I also lacked essential knowledge about research and information retrieval. These courses have helped me be able to implement evidence-based practice, which is crucial to my career. I have also learned the importance of problem solving and good written and oral communications skills.
The three core courses I selected for the completion of my degree program include BSHS 391 (Lifelong Learning and Professional Development), BSHS 421 (Cultural Diversity and Special Populations, and BSHS 321 (Communication Skills for the Human Service Professional). Lifelong Learning and Professional Development lived up to its name. In this course, I realized that learning is indeed a lifelong process and does not end when I receive a degree. Quite the contrary, the degree prepares me for a lifetime of learning. I am now more inquisitive than ever before. Learning teaches us what questions to ask, when, and why to ask those questions. Intelligence is about probing and always being willing to learn. I believe that this course enhances my ability to be a more reliable professional, as I will never rest on…
