(~*~)
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. (*@^@*)
.
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. (*@^@*)
.
