“To be called Doctor does not necessarily mean you are the smartest person in the room.  To be called Doctor means you are the most hardworking, persevering person in the room.” (GCU Instructor)

From an early age, I have always had a desire to learn.  From an early age, I have always had a desire to pursue the highest of attainable educational goals.

Along the way life happened.  I shelved my idea of pursuing higher education. I got married and moved to Australia.  A year later, we moved to the USA.  I hoped to attain a BA degree but I faced one wall after another.  I could not afford to pay the foreigner college tuition fees.  The passion for education was dormant within me.  I read voraciously.  I often thought going to college was not achievable for me.

A few years ago, The Salvation Army sent me to Arrow Leadership in Canada.  It was at Arrow Leadership my passion for college was resuscitated.  I enrolled in the BA in Ministry focusing on Leadership and Ethics at Nazarene Bible College.  I simultaneously continued with my Arrow leadership classes. After graduating from NBC, I could not wait to go deeper.  I enrolled in the Master of Science in Leadership program at Grand Canyon University.

My desire for more education led me to my doctoral journey.  Here are a few life lessons I am learning along the way:

1. It is never too late to chase your dream. Go for it.
2. Don’t give up on your dream. Don’t give in. Don’t throw in the towel.
3. Trust God to see you through it all. He will give you strength.
4. Expect to work hard. Excellent things do not come easy. Easy things are not excellent.
5. Education will test your resolve.  Looming deadlines, long papers, unimaginable projects, unending lectures.  You can do it.
6. Avoid falling behind.  It is hard to catch up. If you do not or are stuck, ask for help.  Don’t be shy.  Don’t be arrogant.  All of us need help at some point.
7. Submit the work on time.  It’s better to submit unfinished work on time than to be tardy.
8. Work with your teachers. Give them your best. They will cut you some slack when the day comes when you need their leniency.
9. Enjoy learning.  Enjoy the ride.  Not many people have the privilege of attending school.  Honor the privilege.
10. Create a support system. Ask for support from your family, friends and classmates. This support network will encourage and spur you on.