Graduation Application: APPROVED
"Graduation Application: APPROVED," the subject of an email that put into perspective that my time in the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) program at the Fisher College of Business is coming to an end. It is crazy to me how the time flies in this program. It feels like yesterday that I was sitting in my first Master's class ever, not realizing the impact it would have on me.
Seeing that light at the end of the tunnel can blind you to what is right in front of you and blur your focus. Some call this reaction "senioritis," and it can sneak up on you at the worst times. Being so close to graduation can create tunnel vision and lead to a lack of ambition. I know that I have fallen victim to this the closer I get to the end, but I have found some tricks that have helped me avoid "senioritis." I have found that one of the biggest contributing factors to these de-motivating feelings is thinking about "the end." In reality, the end of this program is no end at all. It is just the beginning of my career. No successful career starts with a lack of ambition or motivation, so I continually remind myself that graduation is no end; it's a beginning. There are also helpful skills/tools I have accumulated in my 1.5 years in the program so far:
- Using time management skills is extremely important. I need to make sure that I maintain a balance between school, work, and my social life.
- I've found it helpful to talk about topics other than school in group projects. This helps create rapport with the other members and take those small breaks necessary to keep focus.
- The best skill I have obtained in this program that helps me stay motivated and focused is giving myself needed breaks.
Before this program, I never let myself relax unless EVERYTHING was finished 100%, no matter the time commitment. Now I appreciate breaks that let my brain rest and bring even better results.
Knowing that graduation is upon me, I appreciate the little things more. I appreciate my group projects and working with talented classmates that I may not work closely with again in the future. Second, I appreciate the little conversations before class starts or during our small 10 minute breaks. Third, I appreciate the GroupMe conversations of helping each other with job/skill opportunities, the small jokes, or the plans made for the weekend. Just remembering that these small things are going to come to an end in just a little over two months makes me appreciate them all the more.
Overall, seeing that email confirming that my time in the program is almost over is scary… yet exciting! I feel ready to put my skills to the test and apply my knowledge to my career. Just 18 months ago, I moved to Columbus for the next step in my life to pursue my MHRM degree. In just a little over four months, I will be leaving the city as an alum to pursue the next chapter of my life. Until then, I plan to stay motivated and appreciate all the little things before everything becomes new again.
