I just started my studies for my master’s degree last week at the University of the Philippines Open University. I attended the orientation last Saturday, 29 May. The orientation made me realize the seriousness of what I have put myself into. Distance education isn’t that easy. I realize, for someone to be a successful distance education student, one must really WANT to study and graduate. No ifs, no buts, just pure determination to finish what he/she has started.
Right now I am taking two subjects – IS201: Computer Ethics, and IS214: Principles of Programming Languages. I’ve started IS201 sometime this week, while IS214′s course website hasn’t been opened. I hope next week I’ll start working on that course.
Yes, I’m studying while working.
I really am enjoying this new mode of learning for me. I’ve been learning through the net a lot for the past few years, and it is only now that I’ve been a DE student. I’m meeting new people (online or otherwise), and I am certainly pleased. But I can’t judge much since it’s only been like a week. But so far, so good.
To end this post, I would like to share an inspiring quotation from Jack Canfield about self-esteem and believing in oneself:
Self-esteem is a huge piece of my work. You have to believe it’s possible and believe in yourself. Because after you’ve decided what you want, you have to believe it’s possible, and possible for you, not just for other people. Then you need to seek out models, mentors, and coaches.
