CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Aug. 16 was a banner day in my life. This day culminated more than 21 years of college.
Throughout my career there have been countless supervisors, commanders and friends who have told me to "get my school finished now; don't wait until the end of your career."
Advice, until last year, I chose to ignore, and today, advice which I recommend you follow.
One class I had to complete in pursuit of my Bachelors Degree was Adult Motivation to Learn, a class I saw as an oxymoron. Here I was, an adult, trying to figure out ways to motivate myself to learn.
My professor went around the room and asked all the students give a reason why they were there. I heard answers like "a new career," "a promotion," and the class favorite "more money." Knowing I was to be called upon soon, I tried to prepare myself with an answer; however nothing could come to mind.
When the professor finally called my name, I stood up and told him the first thing that came to mind; my daughter. I am more than happy with my career in the Air Force, I make good money, and school in itself won't get me promoted.
My daughter on the other hand was different. She is a junior in high school this year and I want her to go to college. I know that jobs are better for college graduates. When asked how she motivated me, I explained that it seemed hypocritical to tell my daughter she needed to go to college when I had not completed college myself.
Higher education, like pay and leave, is an entitlement we as military members enjoy. My entitlement was approximately $201,000 dollars throughout 21 years. Higher education is a benefit to the Air Force. We see increases in awareness, understanding and commitment from individuals who complete college level courses.
Air Force Instruction 36-2618, 'The Enlisted Force Structure,' charges all, from the youngest Airman through the oldest chief master sergeant to pursue their education. Education is a corner stone to the progression and advancement of the enlisted forces of the Air Force. Education is why we are the premier Air Force throughout the world. Education provides you with a direction for tomorrow.
On a personal note, I would like to congratulate my classmates who endured the last 18 months with me. We worked hard, wrote numerous papers, witnessed to some great presentations and learned valuable lessons from one another.
I would like to thank Dr. Griffin, Soila, all the employees of Southern Illinois University, and the Charleston Education Center for their help, dedication and commitment to the students. Finally, I need to thank my daughter Andrea. I walked across the stage because of her.
Motivation is a funny thing. Finish your Community College of the Air Force degree. If you have finished continue forward and work on a higher degree. Look inside yourself, find your motivation and get going. You can buy a clock but you can not buy time, so don't run out. My motivation was my daughter. What is your motivation?