Working in the Armed Forces,

¶ … working in the armed forces, I took a look around and said to myself, "I'll miss it here." Saying goodbye to fellow officers, mentors, and superiors, I felt like I was young again: invincible and eager to embark on a new path. Change is good for the soul; I knew that and in spite of my fears and worries I chose to leave the comfort of the familiar for the unknown. Having entered the Navy straight from high school, I never had the chance to pursue a higher education.

Now is my opportunity and I very much look forward to filling in that gap in my life and obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology. When I first found out about the University of Phoenix I was attracted to its flexible and challenging programs in subject areas that were practical and meaningful to me. Having worked professionally with military technology for most of my adult life, I feel uniquely prepared to meet the challenges of an academic program in Information Technology.

The Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Phoenix will contribute to my personal goals by enhancing what I already learned via hands-on experience in the American military and enabling me to jump-start a rewarding new career as an it professional. As I witnessed the Navy growing younger and younger, I began to realize that I was at a crossroads in my life. Continuing on the same path would be difficult if not impossible, as promotions to upper-level positions are rare.

Leaving the military is not an easy decision; it has been a source of security and predictability in my life for several decades. That very same security and predictability will be my main sources of strength as I work toward my Bachelor's of Science with the University of Phoenix. Because I have worked with it skills in a demanding and focused environment every day throughout the bulk of my life, I come to the degree program with a solid foundation in technology and a keen understanding of its numerous applications.

I have worked both in groups and independently, on long-term and on critical projects associated with the Department of Defense. I have proven to myself and to my superiors that I am capable of meeting deadlines, of thinking critically, of making decisions under pressure, of following orders while taking initiative at the same time, and working cooperatively with others. My interpersonal and practical skills translate seamlessly into a Bachelor's of Science program in the field of Information Technology.

Familiarity with military-specific operating systems, hardware, and software will translate into the world of business or government, and I will easily be able to work in any sector as an it specialist. In fact, the military offers a unique background capable of transforming the individual into a well-rounded yet highly specialized team player. During my many years in the Navy, I have met with and befriended fellow officers who have expanded my view of the world and of other cultures.

As a result, I interact best in diverse learning and professional environments. I will remain connected to the military during my initial years with the University of Phoenix for personal and financial reasons. However, once I secure my Bachelor's of Science I will obtain employment in the civilian sector, preferably working for another large organization. I will achieve my personal goals at the University of Phoenix by participating actively in coursework and engaging professors and students in meaningful discussions. I plan on being an active member of the student body.

Because I am used to working in a collaborative environment in the military I will in fact be unable to approach my studies in any other way but through active participation, collaboration, and participation. I believe that learning entails not simply reading textbooks and taking tests: learning is a process of communication.

If my schedule permits, I will also become involved with extracurricular groups that pertain to my interests and hopefully, I will be able to work as an intern during the course of my studies so that I can get my feet wet before launching my new career as an it professional in the civilian sector. My personal goals also include overall expansion of my skills set. My hands-on familiarity with technology must be coupled with book smarts: the academic and theoretical foundation necessary to be an it specialist.

During the course of my academic career, I will be as if starting from scratch. I plan on discovering a specific area within it to focus on so that I can be an effective and focused professional once I.