Finish My Degree

Running head: FINISHING MY DEGREE

Finishing My Degree

Robert F. Raines

University of Phoenix

Finishing My Degree

Since I joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF) several years ago I have spoke of finishing my degree and here I am, without a degree. Since I left the USAF, I have had to compete to get the job I wanted. With my clearance and specialized experienced I have been able to get a suitable position, but have hit barrier after barrier. I have realized that I cannot progress in my career until I finish my degree. A promotion and more money are the obvious reasons for finishing my degree but they are results of the underlying reasons I want to finish my degree. I thought about the qualities that I would like to see in an individual I would consider for promotion. I would have to witness initiative, se them take responsibility for their actions, and demonstrate a passion for their work. I realized that my goal for pursuing my degree is to earn the respect of not just colleagues but my family too.

When I told my colleagues and family that I returned to college, I noticed their expression. They were surprised and impressed that I am pursuing my degree. I finally have taken the steps to improve myself. I have already started to see rewards. At work, I am on the schedule for our company's program management courses and put in charge of my own group. My family is excited because I will might be the first person on either side of my family (My aunt expects to finish a degree about the same time.) to have a degree. I am hoping that the initiative that I have shown will take me one-step closer to earning the respect of my company and my family that I desire.

I believe it is my responsibility to get a degree. I would be limiting my ability to excel and I would be a poor example to my sisters not to have one. I want them to see that I think is important to finish my degree. Where I am employed people who have degrees make about 10 to 20 thousand dollars more a year. Financial freedom would allow my family and me to pursue other interests. My sisters are just starting high school and have had college on their minds. Already my oldest sister has asked if I had my degree. When I answered, no she commented that I seem to do just fine without one. That is not the example that I want to set for my sisters. I want my sisters to see that I am willing to take the steps to improve my life and I want my company to see that I