Introduction
Education, in all its forms, shapes the paths we walk and the people we become. A degree represents more than just academic achievement. It can symbolize knowledge gained, perseverance, and opportunities seized. In this article, I will reflect on and give a quick overview of the degrees I have pursued, each one marking a chapter in my life. From the triumphs in higher education to the personal obstacles I have overcome, each degree represents more than just a piece of paper—it is a part of who I am.
A Lifelong Passion for Teaching
Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to be a teacher. I grew up with six brothers, and I can faintly recall playing school with them, especially with my two younger brothers. Throughout high school, it was my great pleasure to go to a classroom to assist one of the teachers and help in any way I could. For example, I would collate and staple learning packets, grade papers, and run errands throughout the school. Honestly, anything to get out of my assigned classes. I talked a lot and had trouble staying still in my seat. Looking back, my teachers were probably happy for me to leave. Win win win!
My school was grade 6 - 12, and I had a lot of opportunity to read to younger students or tutor them in their classroom. I often found my self in the special education classroom helping the teacher by helping the students transition to where they needed to go or just talking to them, and seeing how their day was going. The Senior section in the yearbook show my nickname was “Teach,” hobbies were writing and partying, and my future plans included to become a kindergarten teacher and publish my poems.
When I graduated high school in 1979, I began my studies at SUNY Potsdam. During the first semester break, I left New York due to dire circumstances, but that didn't end my desire for further education. Two years later, married and living in Georgia, I enrolled in Clayton Junior College, now known as Clayton State University. I am thankful my professors pushed me to do my best and finish. Even though it took a few years to graduate, it was a great accomplishment. I wouldn't use my degree professionally until twenty years later, but when the time came, having a degree not only gave me an edge in assignments—my base pay was also higher than if I had not had a degree.
Building Blocks of Teaching
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Elementary Education is a two-year undergraduate program that introduces students to the fundamentals of teaching and child development, preparing them for entry-level roles in education or for further study in a bachelor’s program. This degree focuses on foundational concepts in education, child psychology, and classroom management, all aimed at helping future educators understand and support the developmental and learning needs of young children, typically from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade.
Key Components of an AA in Elementary Education
Core Education Courses: These often include classes on teaching strategies, educational psychology, and instructional methods. Students learn about lesson planning, teaching diverse learners, and ways to engage young children in learning.
Child Development and Psychology: Courses in this area cover stages of child growth, cognitive and social development, and how children learn at different ages, helping future teachers understand how to foster a supportive learning environment.
Practical Teaching Skills: Students gain hands-on experience in creating lesson plans, classroom management, and possibly observing or assisting in real classrooms. They learn basic instructional techniques and assessment methods suitable for elementary education.
General Education Requirements: Like most associate degrees, an AA in Elementary Education includes general education courses (such as English, math, and social sciences) to build a well-rounded educational foundation.
Pathway to Further Education: This degree is often structured to transfer to a four-year university, where students can pursue a bachelor's degree and teacher certification. Most public elementary school teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree, so this AA can be a stepping stone toward full teaching credentials.
An AA in Elementary Education provides a strong base for understanding young learners and introduces teaching methods while also helping students develop skills in communication, organization, and empathy essential for educators.
Discovering My Path in Sociology
After a divorce, another marriage, having three children, multiple moves between states, and a major catastrophic event, I needed to find a job to try to save our home. In 2003, I was able to use my AA degree when I became a substitute teacher. A year later, I learned about a grant that would help cover the costs of returning to school as an adult learner. By this time, I was really struggling with anxiety, but I managed to register and start classes at Tennessee State University.
My initial courses were focused on elementary education, including classes in Exceptional Education and Early Childhood Curriculum. Since I already had my first 60 hours completed twenty years earlier, I needed to specialize immediately. After working in many different schools, I didn't want to be a full time teacher. I had some familiarity with sociology, having taken an introductory class years earlier, and the sociology degree requirements were intriguing. From Sociology of Child Development, Social Statistics, and Sociological Thought, I was hooked and declared my major.
I received a lot of academic and emotional support from many of my professors. At one point, my anxiety took over, and I withdrew from school. My professors took a great interest in me and persuaded me to return to my studies. They even took it upon themselves to write a letter to the dean asking for reinstatement on my behalf. In 2006, partway through my degree, I applied for an internship at ICPSR—University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan—and was selected out of 250 applicants for a 10-week summer program. Having the support of my professors in the sociology department was key to my ability to participate. At the end, I was ready to apply for a combination Masters Doctorate program offered at the University of Michigan. God had other plans for me.
In September 2006, I was in my last semester. My senior project was already underway, and opportunities were opening up at the university due to my internship. However, my middle son, a senior in high school, began having regular seizures, and I needed to withdraw from school to care for him. Slightly over two years later, after he was no longer at home and my youngest son was now a senior in high school, I re-enrolled to finish my degree. My passion for education remained, but my momentum was interrupted. Even with all the turmoil, I was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA at this university.
After graduating, I finally learned what the box labeled "Fresh Start" meant during my initial registration. Had I found the courage to ask, checking the box would have eliminated my low GPA from my first 60 hours, allowing me to graduate with honors. I use this example in my mind whenever I need to ask something, but anxiety tries to hold me back. Education had to be put on hold once again, but just for a couple of years.
The Pulse of Society
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology is an undergraduate degree that focuses on understanding human society, social behaviors, institutions, and relationships. This degree combines theoretical and empirical approaches to study social structures, group dynamics, and cultural norms. It emphasizes analytical and research skills, helping students understand how social factors shape individuals and communities.
Key Areas of Study in a BS in Sociology
Core Sociological Theories and Concepts: Students learn about foundational sociological theories and thinkers, such as Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. They study social structures, socialization, power, inequality, and cultural norms, gaining a framework to analyze complex social issues.
Research Methods and Data Analysis: A strong emphasis on scientific and statistical methods sets the BS degree apart. Students learn to conduct surveys, interviews, and observational studies, analyzing data using statistical software to draw conclusions about social patterns and trends.
Specialized Topics: Many programs offer courses in specific areas like criminology, gender studies, race and ethnicity, family dynamics, social inequality, and environmental sociology. These topics allow students to explore diverse social phenomena and contemporary issues.
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Sociology majors develop critical thinking skills by examining how social issues affect individuals and communities. They analyze societal structures and learn to think critically about inequality, policy, and ethical implications in society.
Internships and Applied Sociology: Many BS programs include internships or community-based projects where students can apply their sociological knowledge in real-world settings, such as social services, non-profits, government, or research organizations.
Capstone or Thesis Project: Many programs require a final project that involves conducting independent research on a sociological issue. This project integrates learned theories, research skills, and data analysis.
Career Pathways with a BS in Sociology
Graduates with a BS in Sociology are well-prepared for careers in social services, community outreach, data analysis, public policy, criminal justice, and human resources. Many go on to pursue graduate studies in sociology, social work, law, or public administration.
This degree helps students understand complex social processes, equipping them with the skills to analyze and address societal issues while promoting critical thinking and a deep understanding of social dynamics.
Intersection of Psychology and the Workplace
In 2012, nearly three years after graduating with my BS degree, divorced for the second time, and now on my own, I was able to rebuild my confidence and apply for a graduate program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Austin Peay University. A mix between on campus and online classes, the program was perfect for me. In addition, my youngest son attended this school which helped me to find my way and adjust quickly.
Shortly after I was accepted into the program, my middle son passed away. Despite this tragedy, I continued working as a substitute teacher and looked forward to starting the master’s program. I was thankful to be able to continue my studies. It is important to note that I experienced an enormous amount of mental anguish while completing each requirement—from admissions testing to registration, applying for financial aid, driving an hour each way, and participating in class—but I was determined to earn my degree.
Wanting to really step outside my comfort zone, I signed up and paid for a trip to India that was being sponsored by my school. Unfortunately, just weeks before the trip departure, a level 3 travel advisory was issued due to serious risks to safety and security, and our trip was canceled. I took the news in stride, and even though I didn’t actually travel, the accomplishment was in signing up and completing all the necessary paperwork and vaccinations to be able to go. By December 2013, it became too emotionally difficult to stay and work in Tennessee after the death of my son, and his father was having similar difficulty in Kentucky, so we moved to Florida together. I was immediately hired on as a substitute teacher, and I travelled between Florida and Tennessee for substitute assignments and any on campus activities. My last semester was mainly online classes, and I was surprisingly nominated and inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. I finished my studies, became an expert in workplace behavior, and graduated with honors in 2014.
The Human Element in the Workplace
A Master of Arts (MA) in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology is a graduate degree that focuses on applying psychological principles to workplace settings. This degree centers on understanding and improving employee behavior, productivity, and well-being, as well as enhancing organizational effectiveness through research and practical interventions. It combines psychology with business and human resources to optimize the work environment and address organizational challenges.
Key Areas of Study in an MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Organizational Behavior and Development: Students learn how individuals and groups behave in work settings. Topics include leadership, motivation, team dynamics, organizational culture, and the impact of workplace environments on behavior.
Personnel Psychology: This area focuses on employee recruitment, selection, training, and performance evaluation. Students learn to design fair and effective hiring processes, conduct job analyses, and assess employee skills and competencies.
Research Methods and Data Analysis: I-O Psychology relies on empirical data to understand workplace issues. Students gain skills in research design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation, using these to evaluate workplace programs and interventions.
Employee Training and Development: This includes designing and evaluating programs to enhance employee skills, satisfaction, and retention. Courses focus on adult learning theories, training methodologies, and performance appraisal systems.
Workplace Health and Well-being: Students explore ways to promote mental health, reduce stress, prevent burnout, and encourage work-life balance. Topics include employee counseling, ergonomic assessments, and stress management strategies.
Psychological Testing and Assessment: This area covers the development and use of psychometric tools for assessing employee aptitudes, personality traits, and job suitability, as well as evaluating these tools for fairness and accuracy.
Ethics and Professional Standards: Ethical considerations are central to I-O Psychology, given its influence on hiring, employee treatment, and organizational policy. Students learn about confidentiality, fair treatment, and legal compliance.
Consulting and Applied Skills: Many MA programs include practical training for students to work as consultants, learning how to assess organizational needs, recommend interventions, and work collaboratively with leadership to implement solutions.
Practicum and Capstone Project
Most MA programs include hands-on experience, such as internships or practicum opportunities, where students work within an organization to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Some programs require a capstone project or thesis, involving original research on a workplace issue or the development of an intervention strategy.
Career Pathways with an MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in HR, organizational development, employee training, consulting, and research. Typical job roles include HR specialist, organizational development consultant, talent management specialist, and I-O psychologist. Some graduates also pursue further studies (such as a PhD) to focus on research or academia.
An MA in I-O Psychology provides a versatile skill set that allows graduates to work across various sectors, including corporate, non-profit, and government organizations, helping to improve both employee well-being and organizational success.
Conclusion
Education holds a unique and transformative power, shaping how we understand the world and opening doors to new opportunities. Formal education, whether a degree program or technical training, can serve as a foundation for personal growth and career advancement, while informal learning and self-study offer endless avenues for exploration. Whether pursued in a classroom, online, or through life experiences, education can be a deeply fulfilling endeavor, carrying a value that extends far beyond credentials or titles.
I was able to use the education I received and even fulfilled my future plans as described when I was only seventeen. During my employment as a substitute teacher, I was entrusted to teach a Kindergarten class, an Exceptional Education class, and co-teach Physical Education in long term assignments all due to teacher extended medical leave. Other than in the PE position, I had all the responsibilities of a full time teacher.
In 2015, I was on my own again, as my husband needed to return to Kentucky for his health. I started working for Amazon while continuing my role as a substitute teacher, balancing both positions for six years. During my time at Amazon, I was able to draw on my educational knowledge and experience when asked to lead or assist in training classes for new hires. In addition, I published three poetry books in 2018, while on medical leave due to symptoms that started with an injury, and are still present today, and everyday. In late 2021, I stopped working to save my own life.
I pray that when I publish what I write, it doesn't come off as bragging or boasting. I am trying to chronicle my life, and find any good memories in the process. I believe others may read my posts and find some relatable information which may inspire them or help them find comfort or meaning in their own life. Reading over what I have written today, there is so much other detail I have left out, but maybe I will save those experiences for future posts. It is really difficult for me to stay completely on topic when there are so many influences that play a part—plus having ADHD compounds the difficulty.
Though my degrees don’t follow a traditional progression, each one allowed me to draw on my previous education to grow and learn in unique ways. Still deeply in debt financially from earning my Master’s degree, I don’t regret the time and effort it took to complete. My educational success is a personal achievement that encompasses more than academic learning, and I want to emphasize it doesn’t make me any better than others. I believe education is valuable, and whether someone attends college or not, with information at our fingertips, education has become more accessible than ever, making it possible to keep learning no matter where you are in life.
Proverbs 4:13
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
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