My first two years in college was very hard for me maybe because,
I waited until my children went off to college themselves. I was a lot older
than my counterparts. I joined a study group of ten who became my best
supporters. Not ever really being a part of a study group, I was a little apprehensive
but, I really needed help. I became involved with nine of some devoted and
incredible individuals. We always got together late in the evenings because of
all of our crazy schedules. I took longer than anyone to actually retain what
we learned for our test. They never faltered in believing in me. There was
nothing but encouragement and I finally passed my math class with flying
colors. I have never forgotten any of them. Saying goodbye as we went our separate
was hard for all of us. Eventhough, that was four years ago, I will always
remember the support system we had. We are all over the world now and we talk
as much as we can.
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case
study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though you had a very positive introduction to your college career. I am so happy for you that you had such a supportive study group. They welcomed you into their college world and helped you to adjust. When I closed my child care center after 19 years, I went into the school system to teach PreK. The other young PreK teachers were not supportive of me and although I had the same degree as them and much more experience, they told me that school was not "daycare". I was about 40 at the time and felt like I could not work in this environment. That is when I got a job with the state in our QRS program. I often wonder if the situation would have been different, I may still be teaching in the school system. When I read your story, I thought about the same for you. What if you would have been treated badly due to your age. We all need to consider how important it can be to someone to reach out to them and support them. Our behavior can make a difference in someone's success. Good luck!
Mary Jo
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
It is wonderful that you were part of such a supportive study group. The study group that you were part of meets several of the requirements described by Abudi (2010) as necessary for successful teams. Abudi (2010) tells us that effective teams offer “Positive, supportive working relationships among all team members” (para 15). She also states “For a high performing team, the end of the project brings on feelings of sadness as the team members have effectively become as one and now are going their separate ways” (Abudi, 2010, para 1). Your story demonstrates just how important relationships are in effective teams.
Geralyn
Reference
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html
Kathleen, You were very fortunate to have a wonderful group at the beginning of your college career. Not only a group for the time being, but from your post it sounds as if you guys became a small little family. It always help to have somebody on your side when help is needed and that it is not overlooked. I do believe that each of us have learned so much from one another here in the Master's program just by discussions and reading and responding to blogs. As I mentioned to another classmate, some are emotional during the closing of groups and programs; however, I get excited because we EARNED the completion process..... See you at graduation, if you plan on attending.
ReplyDeleteAdjourning is also an opportunity to share successes. I look forward to the day when we can celebrate our success at having achieved our Master's degree :) Thank you for your post!
ReplyDelete