Notes from a Mature Student 2012/1/2© "Personal Power"

Embarking upon tertiary education is, for most of us, a choice, and in my view it is important that all the elements fit well – the choice of institution, the choice of subject, but more than any of this, the choice of the attitude, commitment, motivation, integrity and drive that we bring to this highly important part of our life’s journey.

Let’s start with that which is personal to us – our attitude, commitment, motivation, integrity and drive. Our attitude will determine how we approach this part of our journey. Will you get down in the dumps when something doesn’t go your way, or when you don’t finish something within a self-imposed timeframe? Or will you learn from it, adjust your expectations, adjust your work habits, and continue?

Our commitment – when we are committed to anything, truly committed, we stick with it through thick and thin. How strong and true is your commitment to what you have chosen? If it isn’t rock solid, the weakest of challenges will throw you off course. If it is rock solid, nothing will throw you off course. You might temporarily have to make a detour, or pause, but you will not be thrown fully off course.

Motivation - much has been written about man’s motivation. This ties in completely with what I call our “why”. Feel free to re-read my article, and find your own “why”.
http://www.unisa.ac.za/contents/alumni/2012/vol7/papakyriakou.html

Integrity – during one of my exams for Honours, a woman sitting at the desk infront of me and a friend sitting in the desk in the next row were cheating. When I got up to hand in my paper, I stopped to have a word with the adjudicators – just to say thank you for adjudicating - and I looked back in the direction of the two women who were cheating. I wondered if they thought I had told the adjudicators that they were cheating. I didn’t do that, even though I was tempted. I chose to stand in my integrity, and allow them and their conscience to play out as it will.

Drive – this really is all about our commitment, motivation and integrity. Are we truly sufficiently focused and driven to follow through on our commitment, on what motivates us, and to stand in our own personal integrity about finishing what we have started? If so, our journey into tertiary education will be one of personal growth and fulfillment.

Be sure to check out the next note (2012/1/3) to read more.

Beba Papakyriakou (BA; BA Hons (Psych)
Monday 3 September 2012
author@houseofbeesting.com
www.houseofbeesting.com
www.prosperity-thru-wellness.com
www.wellness-thru-prosperity.com

*Disclaimer: The views in these informal notes (suggested by Charity Sibanyoni of Van Schaik) are based on my own personal experiences and are in no way representative of anything any formal institution, tutor, lecturer or teacher might express.

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