(~*~)
Hello,
As
some may know I decided last year to go back to school. I originally
tried out for a course at Conestoga College, by writing the entry exam
for their "Design Foundations". The result: I missed passing it by 3%,
due to my rusty math skills from not being in school for more than 20
years now.
So
when I was told about the "Focus for Change" program and offered the
opportunity to check it out, I did just that. It was a bit tricky for
matching schedules with the ever-busy yet fabulous Jeri-Lou, but we
managed it and the rest is history.
Now for some back history to what you are about to read...
During
my academic upgrading (AU) after taking this course, my friend Ash
& I were presented with a last-minute partial-bonus assignment offer
by our teachers.
Introduction
Offer time: 1pm.
The "Le Challenge"/ Assignment:
Complete
an essay that tells of your experience in the Focus for Change program,
and be at the given location ready to present it by 9:30am - the next
day.
Note: Due to nerves I did
not look at my paper much, so I did not necessarily say these exact
words. This version is from
what I had written down before the presentation, and to the best of my recollection of what I said. I'm sure Ash
may be able to correct me here, if she remembers any of it.
So here I give you...
My Essay:
When I first heard of the Focus for Change program, I felt that I had
discovered a missing link from my life - what was missing after high
school and before working. I saw the personal growth potential this
program offered, and I knew it was an opportunity that I did not want to
miss. I saw any barriers as challenges to overcome, and keys to success
to be gained. The 3 keys to success I found I could use help with were
in the areas of self-control, time management, and focusing on the
future with positive perspectives and efforts. I knew that at the least,
these 3 keys to my success could be discovered through the Focus for
Change program.
My first group of challenges were in regards to
changing bad habits with self control. These included a late night
sleeping pattern, being easily distracted, procrastinating, running
late, blurting out my thoughts, rescuing others with thoughts or
sentence completions, and generally talking too much. All of these
could be changed with simple adjustments of self-control. Catching
myself in the act(s) were not easy, as I was just getting into the habit
of purposely noticing before I can change it. And as any school girl
knows, there are many more keys to success that can change our futures.
For example time management, which I will discuss next.
The next
set of challenges involved balancing family life with school life, and
the key to succeed here was time management. One of the best ways to
manage time, is to schedule yours. I was able to manage my time better
by researching community resources, and scheduling my time around what
was needed and available. At the beginning of the Focus for Change
program I found a breakfast club in our neighbourhood, and by the end of
the school year I received child care coverage for both March break and
the whole month of July! Both brought me balance and helped me move
forward successfully throughout the entire program. As time continues
with or without me, I know that this key to success will be more
attainable because of the Focus for Change program.
The last
bunch of challenges included focusing on my future, with ongoing
positive perspectives and efforts. Through self-awareness and
exploration activities I learned to not only focus on my future, but
also how to maintain positive perspectives when I am not feeling so
positive. As a result, I have now completed and earned my certificates
for the Focus for Change program ad well as my G.E.D. (general education
diploma), I am currently now finishing my academic upgrading, and I
have taken and passed the math admission/ entry exam for the software
engineering technology program I am looking to go into next. All of
which may not have been achieved, if not for the knowledge I gained and
the encouragements of my teachers. I feel the Focus for Change program
has been a great step for me to not only focus on my future, but also to
think of it more positively.
As shown above, the 3 keys to
success that I found very useful for me were self-control, time
management, and positive future-focused perspectives and efforts. The
the Focus for Change program is where it all started for me, and it has
really helped me to learn and earn these 3 keys. By practicing what was
learned I have gained positive habits and routines,. As these new
habits and routines can open many more opportunistic doors for me, I
feel confident that I will discover and pursue my life interests more
and build the pathways into a successful future. I highly recommend the
Focus for Change program to any woman who wants to change and/ or
improve their life, and to find their life-paths to their successful
futures. For even Little Red Riding Hood had to learn these 3 keys to
success, to overcome her odds against the wolf.
(~*~)
That's it for now.
Take care & Safe travels
Chris E. S./ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
.
