Definition:An act of overcoming or penetrating an obstacle or resistance
Being accepted into Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international economics honor society, was a major breakthrough moment for me because this was the first time that I received this level of academic recognition. Upon graduation, I would be happy to don the honors regalia in the procession line! This announcement also confirmed my overachieving streak. I constantly wrestled with this label, because even though I worked extremely hard, and as a Type A personality demanded a lot out of myself and others, I neither crushed nor destroyed anyone in my path on my way towards accomplishing anything.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Ring The Alarm
Omg! The House just passed a measure where I would have to show identification in order to vote because of illegal immigration. Now Saturday I will have to go and get my new state id, but the war on voting rights is not over! I will email all of my US Senators about this. My goal is to ensure that civil rights will become a victim of the war on terror. Now it is high time to become vocal! I emailed four senators and the president because this matter to urgent to ignore!
Yesterday after work I went to the AU math lab to review my precalculus chapter 1 answers and second homework. The tutors were extremely helpful to me throughout the process. Since I must go to the metro station Sunday to renew my SmartBenefits, I might consider traveling to American to review my homework. In addition, a Wall Street Journal reporter emailed me to cite my email regarding her article. I was astounded when she proclaimed that I had “some good points.” I hoped to receive a copy! This positive response to writing an email gave me confidence to write my first Toastmaster speech. The introductory speech is about telling the group about myself. See it is all coming together!
While returning from my morning break, my boss informed me that there was a fire alarm so I would not be able to get in. Immediately I walked to the intersection on 15th and K Streets to read the Washington Post and enjoy the sunshine. I took in the fresh air freeing me from the daily pressures and read the paper all the while thinking that regardless of what happens, I'm getting anyway.
Yesterday after work I went to the AU math lab to review my precalculus chapter 1 answers and second homework. The tutors were extremely helpful to me throughout the process. Since I must go to the metro station Sunday to renew my SmartBenefits, I might consider traveling to American to review my homework. In addition, a Wall Street Journal reporter emailed me to cite my email regarding her article. I was astounded when she proclaimed that I had “some good points.” I hoped to receive a copy! This positive response to writing an email gave me confidence to write my first Toastmaster speech. The introductory speech is about telling the group about myself. See it is all coming together!
While returning from my morning break, my boss informed me that there was a fire alarm so I would not be able to get in. Immediately I walked to the intersection on 15th and K Streets to read the Washington Post and enjoy the sunshine. I took in the fresh air freeing me from the daily pressures and read the paper all the while thinking that regardless of what happens, I'm getting anyway.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Bag Lady No More
Dear Carla:
You should stop being such a bag lady. Since you no longer have class on Monday, this frees up your Mondays and Fridays so why haul all of that stuff along with you?
Good point: Starting today I will no longer carry any unnecessary baggage from work to personal life. I really do not need those disks and besides, all I need is my lunch and a good book which I can wrap in another plastic bag.
Also within one month I will be enrolled in the debt repayment plan to boost my credit score to relocate back into Washington, DC. Dropping bad debt is a big thing for me because my credit score will skyrocket! Within ten months this will all be a memory!
You should stop being such a bag lady. Since you no longer have class on Monday, this frees up your Mondays and Fridays so why haul all of that stuff along with you?
Good point: Starting today I will no longer carry any unnecessary baggage from work to personal life. I really do not need those disks and besides, all I need is my lunch and a good book which I can wrap in another plastic bag.
Also within one month I will be enrolled in the debt repayment plan to boost my credit score to relocate back into Washington, DC. Dropping bad debt is a big thing for me because my credit score will skyrocket! Within ten months this will all be a memory!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Financial Empowerment Update
During these past two days, there have been a lot of financial activity that display the power of emergency savings and sound financial planning. Yesterday, I used the $250 savings to purchase my Thanksgiving plane ticket and to hail a cab after the AU-Tenleytown metro caught afire and became inaccessible. Even though the cabbie was a little loopy the ride home allowed me to think about the importance of my family.
Today I cashed the $40 money order refund for groceries and changed my bank information with FACTS to ensure a smooth withdrawal for the final community college tuition payment. Later in the day, I tried a third time to reach a creditor to obtain my most recent statement. After a roll, my statement collection activities seemed to crawl at a snail’s pace. Well, at least I know that come October everything will be set.
Today I cashed the $40 money order refund for groceries and changed my bank information with FACTS to ensure a smooth withdrawal for the final community college tuition payment. Later in the day, I tried a third time to reach a creditor to obtain my most recent statement. After a roll, my statement collection activities seemed to crawl at a snail’s pace. Well, at least I know that come October everything will be set.
Good Timing
Yesterday I served as the timer for my first Toastmasters meeting and excelled at the position. I think that I will like participating in this organization because I get to hear many different viewpoints and improve my verbal communication skills. Since songwriting and book publishing are my favorite avocations, Toastmasters will help me master my craft.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Going Sideways to Get Ahead
I have been giving advice to Mr. Slowik who chronicles his job search at www.careerjournal.com. Today he discussed his job search and his interest in working with trusts and estates because of the human contact. Immediately I located the New York bar Association’s Trust and Estates Section, and emailed CareerJournal the link (the editor informed me that my response would be forwarded to Mr. Slowik). It amazes me how very little I know about law but how important it is help someone in need obtain objective advice!
This past Sunday I received the same advice from the math tutor in regards to micro. I dropped the course to focus on improving my math skills. I still will take the CLEP and have emailed my College Board guidance counselor regarding my intent to review CLEP material. Passing the CLEP calculus test is more of a personal victory than catching up (though that would be nice, too! However, improving my quantitative abilities has always been a priority!), because I am at a point in my life where completing my MA in Economics at age 30, in two years instead of one is not the end of the world. Matter of factly, it will represent the beginning of a new decade of promise.
This confession is astronomical coming from a Type-A person who has always completed degrees on time; however, working in my field as an economist affords me the privilege to sit back acquire experience then apply it to my education. Besides an MA is not a prerequisite for my career goal of obtaining a Ph.D. I already have a BA in International Economics plus I can earn my Doctor of Business Administration. Fretting too much about ticky-tack things such as this never is my strong suit to I'll just continue going sideways to get ahead.
This past Sunday I received the same advice from the math tutor in regards to micro. I dropped the course to focus on improving my math skills. I still will take the CLEP and have emailed my College Board guidance counselor regarding my intent to review CLEP material. Passing the CLEP calculus test is more of a personal victory than catching up (though that would be nice, too! However, improving my quantitative abilities has always been a priority!), because I am at a point in my life where completing my MA in Economics at age 30, in two years instead of one is not the end of the world. Matter of factly, it will represent the beginning of a new decade of promise.
This confession is astronomical coming from a Type-A person who has always completed degrees on time; however, working in my field as an economist affords me the privilege to sit back acquire experience then apply it to my education. Besides an MA is not a prerequisite for my career goal of obtaining a Ph.D. I already have a BA in International Economics plus I can earn my Doctor of Business Administration. Fretting too much about ticky-tack things such as this never is my strong suit to I'll just continue going sideways to get ahead.
The High Price of Education
Horoscope: Engage that cranium, but remember to check in with your heart on a regular basis. Otherwise, it can be all too easy to lose your sense of direction and forget what's really important. You need rationality and intuition.
After responding to Jay’s remark about Daniel Golden’s book entitled, The Price of Admissions, was anecdotal, I dissected my life and education. Though Jay graduate from Harvard, no slouch myself, I graduated Hiram College, James A. Garfield’s, the 20th US President alma mater; traveled to London and received my MBA on my 25th birthday and now at age 29 attending American University as a MA in Economics candidate. Not too many people under age 30 can admit to doing that. On top on these accomplishments, I work, in the same field as my degree, as an economist. I am privileged to be bestowed all of these opportunities because many people are not so blessed. This is exactly why Jay’s “anecdotal” comment bothers me so much.
It is imperative in the midst of the debate regarding college accessibility, that we care about how top-tier institutions allocate their resources. Today Harvard announced that it will eliminate its early admissions which benefits the upper class, but we need more discourse about a university , the oldest American college, in existence since 1636 and a nearly 100 million endowment needing “kickbacks”!
After responding to Jay’s remark about Daniel Golden’s book entitled, The Price of Admissions, was anecdotal, I dissected my life and education. Though Jay graduate from Harvard, no slouch myself, I graduated Hiram College, James A. Garfield’s, the 20th US President alma mater; traveled to London and received my MBA on my 25th birthday and now at age 29 attending American University as a MA in Economics candidate. Not too many people under age 30 can admit to doing that. On top on these accomplishments, I work, in the same field as my degree, as an economist. I am privileged to be bestowed all of these opportunities because many people are not so blessed. This is exactly why Jay’s “anecdotal” comment bothers me so much.
It is imperative in the midst of the debate regarding college accessibility, that we care about how top-tier institutions allocate their resources. Today Harvard announced that it will eliminate its early admissions which benefits the upper class, but we need more discourse about a university , the oldest American college, in existence since 1636 and a nearly 100 million endowment needing “kickbacks”!
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Economics of Time and Money
Yesterday I discovered that excelling on the calculus CLEP test would allow me to take the mathematical economics course; thus, accelerating my graduation date from summer to spring! Testing out of calculus will allow me to take mathematical economics in spring. This is the sole core requirement under the general track; and, transferring six graduate credits from my MBA degree gives me an additional advantage. The fact that I can graduate a semester ahead of schedule reinforces the importance of doing well on all of my coursework. My goal is to earn an A in all three classes and to use micro as a stepping stone towards studying for the CLEP calculus test. Also, I will prepare for mathematical economics by purchasing the Schaum’s easy outline and workbook.
This discovery also produces enormous time and cost savings for me because I can earn my MA in Economics degree for the least amount of money! This is a core component of my financial empowerment plan: to save time and money and maximize my return.
This discovery also produces enormous time and cost savings for me because I can earn my MA in Economics degree for the least amount of money! This is a core component of my financial empowerment plan: to save time and money and maximize my return.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
More
I am ambitious I must admit
Working as an Economist at a prestigious agency
Plus I am enrolled in American because
I want more
More
Than what’s out there
What is average
I do not wish to stagnate
I learn everyday in every way
With every breath I carry my history
First generation college graduate twice over
Possessing a BA and an MBA by my 25th birthday
En route to obtain my second masters by my 30th
Yet I want more
I need a more meaningful purpose than just this rat race
That’s why I’ve created my own plan
Leaving my signature, my indelible mark
Because I need more
Working as an Economist at a prestigious agency
Plus I am enrolled in American because
I want more
More
Than what’s out there
What is average
I do not wish to stagnate
I learn everyday in every way
With every breath I carry my history
First generation college graduate twice over
Possessing a BA and an MBA by my 25th birthday
En route to obtain my second masters by my 30th
Yet I want more
I need a more meaningful purpose than just this rat race
That’s why I’ve created my own plan
Leaving my signature, my indelible mark
Because I need more
Light
Illuminating its brilliance everywhere
Without even a single solitary care
Dominating darkness it won’t share
As its rays reach out with their all-present glare
Transporting me over there
Alleviating my burdens to bear
There’s no fighting don’t even dare
Because light is illuminating its brilliance everywhere
Without even a single solitary care
Dominating darkness it won’t share
As its rays reach out with their all-present glare
Transporting me over there
Alleviating my burdens to bear
There’s no fighting don’t even dare
Because light is illuminating its brilliance everywhere
Rising to the Challenge
Great news!: After going to the math lab I have a renewed sense of optimism that I will survive micro after all! This is huge because acing micro allows me to learn calculus on the fly while preparing for the CLEP exam. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test is an educational component of my financial empowerment plan. AU and NOVA accept the calculus test and by scoring 75 I will test out of my math requirement. Currently I am paying $1235 at NOVA because I am a out-of-state resident at Northern Virginia community college. Combining the $60 test fee and $75 administrative fee, my cumulative cost is $135, a lot cheaper than $1235 at NOVA or $3144 at AU. After pass the test, I might take statistics or calculus II to boost my mathematical aptitude; however, excelling the calculus test clears one more graduation hurdle and allows for free sailing into summer semester’s mathematical economics (maybe I could even take it during the spring semester if I ace the CLEP calculus test this December, thereby, accelerating my graduation date from summer to spring!
Having a tutor review my micro homework lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders! During last night’s session, I actually envisioned myself at age 30 with my MA in Economics degree from American University. The fact that many of my answers were right boosted my confidence immeasurably. Now I can relax and focus on learning the material, and preparing for the CLEP calculus exam. My goal is to take what I have learned from micro and apply it to the CLEP. I believe that learning calculus with taking precalculus accelerates my learning curve. If I can survive this, then I can thrive throughout the program.
Another bonus: DSST, another college equivalency test, offers statistics and the opportunity to test out of the course. That’s another cost savings of $1235. Of course, I emailed an administrator because my community college branch was not listed (Due diligence always!). However, there is a strong possibility that I could start next semester in calculus II! I am so happy about these developments!
More financial empowerment: Last week I opened a Upromise account to save for both my community college math classes and my Ph.D. studies which are two years away. Tough $50 is the minimum contribution, I will increase mine to $100 and use my raises to increase my allotments. Within two years, the minimum amount will be $2400 which is enough for books and research costs.
Having a tutor review my micro homework lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders! During last night’s session, I actually envisioned myself at age 30 with my MA in Economics degree from American University. The fact that many of my answers were right boosted my confidence immeasurably. Now I can relax and focus on learning the material, and preparing for the CLEP calculus exam. My goal is to take what I have learned from micro and apply it to the CLEP. I believe that learning calculus with taking precalculus accelerates my learning curve. If I can survive this, then I can thrive throughout the program.
Another bonus: DSST, another college equivalency test, offers statistics and the opportunity to test out of the course. That’s another cost savings of $1235. Of course, I emailed an administrator because my community college branch was not listed (Due diligence always!). However, there is a strong possibility that I could start next semester in calculus II! I am so happy about these developments!
More financial empowerment: Last week I opened a Upromise account to save for both my community college math classes and my Ph.D. studies which are two years away. Tough $50 is the minimum contribution, I will increase mine to $100 and use my raises to increase my allotments. Within two years, the minimum amount will be $2400 which is enough for books and research costs.
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