Getting Ready to Graduate (originally posted December 8, 2010)



I'm taking a couple of minutes worth of break time here from writing my final research paper for my final course at the University of Nebraska-Omaha's Master of Public Administration program.  I've experienced a fantastic two years in this program.  After I left active duty with the Air Force, I decided to take a self-imposed "educational sabbatical" with a couple of goals in mind.  First, I wanted to make myself more current as I prepare to reenter the public or non-profit sector for my next career.  Second, I wanted to reengage my intellect from an academic standpoint.  Well, I accomplished those two goals.  I found that my mind still works fine...I will graduate with honors as a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha Public Administration National Honors Society. 

But I gained so much more that cannot be measured by a G.P.A.  I met a cross-section of students composed of traditional graduate students and mid-career professionals, and picked up on the perspectives of city administrators, physicians, nurses, police officers, planners, engineers, health care administrators, dietitians, financial advisers, teachers, lawyers, probation officers...just to name a few of the students I worked with.  I worked with students from Asia, Africa, and elsewhere.  I was able to learn from a faculty of professors with experiences not just in education, but in city government, in aviation, in the military, and in non-profits.  So what do I know now that I did not know before?  I know that our country is full of dedicated people, most of whom will not be lauded for their efforts. 

I will be one of the first to admit that members of the military sometimes get tunnel-vision and believe they are the only ones "serving."  Well, as much as we in the military do serve and sacrifice, it's also true that many others also contribute mightily to the greater good.  And our country is better for it.

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