This
paper is the work of the late Brenna Deshawn Dowd as part of her assessment of
her life and education after completion of her first four years of education through
the University of Phoenix. Copyright 2008
Past, Present, Future
Personal Growth
Part
One-Past
Life
has been a learning experience. I grew up as an only child in a two parent
home. My mother taught me a love of reading from the time I was a baby. By the
time I was in fourth grade, I was reading sixth grade level books.
During my early years, I attended
city council meetings with my mother. Many times when meetings ran long, I
spent time in the police dispatch where I learned how dispatchers responded to
calls. This foundation gave me a maturity and knowledge of community rules and
regulations. My mother’s volunteer work as the executive director of a nonprofit
for children with life-threatening medical conditions gave me a connection to
children who could not help themselves.
During my junior and senior high
schools, I was home-schooled. My mother insisted that I correct every missed
problem so I could understand the mistake. Many times, I had to write a paper more
than once to show I could communicate well with others. For civics class, I
observed criminal trials.
My father had given me my first
computer when I was four after Santa Claus promised one under the tree. By the age
of 12, I could take the computer apart and make minor repairs. My parents
provided me with up-to-date software so I could keep my skills honed for the
workplace and college.
After receiving my high school
diploma at the age of 17, I attended class at the local community college,
majoring in theatrical arts and speech. While holding jobs in call centers and
customer relations and one summer as a gravel inspector, I realized I wanted
something more. I enrolled in a local private technical college with the
intentions of working as a medical assistant. I obtained my certification in
phlebotomy and was almost ready for my certification in EKG.
My father died and family dynamics
changed. For a few months, my diabetes took a bad turn and I had to put my
college on hold. By summer, I realized I still was not satisfied in my career
and educational choice and began seeking other opportunities. I knew I would
never be satisfied with a life of drawing blood and performing EKGs.
Part Two-Present
Within a
few weeks I was enrolled in the UOP sister school, Western International
University (WIU). My advisor strongly encouraged me to purchase the APA manual.
As I progressed through my studies, that manual became my educational bible.
While some instructors allowed the junior college level students to slide by on
proper referencing, I had one instructor who was very tough. Through many tears
and frustration on “getting it right,” I learned referencing. A personal goal
is to contact Sarah Coker and thank her for being so tough.
ETH123 Cultural Diversity opened my
eyes to the differences in people. The
class helped me to understand why other ethnic backgrounds respond as they do
to situations. I learned that diversity includes gender, race and ethnic background,
age, sexual orientation, class and disability.
The instructor became personally involved in the class and gave us
insight into personal diversity from his own experience. I this class, I
learned that society must be more respectful of the rights and needs of others.
Communications 101 was a refresher
course in writing skills. In this class, I learned better ways to communicate
effectively. In the workplace, I know I cannot succeed if I am unable to communicate
with superiors and coworkers. Poorly written messages with improper punctuation
and misspelled words create a negative impression and can cause
misunderstandings. I learned the importance of writing clear and concise
messages.
BSHS 441Advocacy and Mediation
taught me about different types of mediation and advocacy. I learned I am an
advocate day-to-day in some way. The class made me realize that when I talk to
people about my diabetes and insulin pump that I am being an advocate by teaching
people about the disease. My willingness to discuss a new therapy can teach
other diabetics that life can be simpler. Sharing ideas with the instructor
taught me that a person can use illusions or magic tricks to help ease frightened
children into speaking of experiences that have caused them to behave
inappropriately. This class should be required for all criminal justice
students.
CJA433 Research Methods in Criminal
Justice is a research methodology class. The subject matter is so varied the
class could be extended. The class taught how to collect data, design a
research project and analyze the results. I understood the need for research
professionals to abide by a code of ethics and respect the rights of others
according to the Nuremberg Code.
Part Three-Future
Education
is a life’s journey. Learning keeps the mind active. As I grow and mature, I
will always learn something new and useful in my educational study or my career
path. Learning everything I can will help me grow and transition from a mature
student into a professional career person.
For my educational goal, I am
looking to complete a master's degree in general counseling so I am not limited
to one area. My personal goal is to move to a new state that can be called home
and closer to my family who are important to me. I want to grow more in my faith
walk with God. In my professional life, I plan to work with children who have
no voice in the criminal justice system.
Eventually, I would like to open a private counseling service for
children. To obtain that goal, I will seek a master’s degree in counseling.
I hope to join the Chamber of
Commerce Ambassadors in my new location. This would give me an opportunity to
network with other professionals in the community. After four years of school with few breaks, I
would like to attend a Women of Faith Conference to relax and enjoy spiritual
growth with other women from all walks of life. Meanwhile I will continue this
journey called education.
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