So I have narrowed down my choices of schools and I decided to go with the unconventional route--Capella University. I have prayed, researched, prayed some more, worried my enrollment specialist, compared & contrasted schools, emailed previous Capella learners, and finally I decided to go with my heart. Why so much indecisiveness? Because of my natural tendency to worry about what others think. I've always been a worrier. But past trials and tribulations have taught me how to hand over my worries to the Lord. See what I learned was no matter how much I worry, it will not change a thing. What God has for me will ALWAYS be for me, so why worry, I ask myself...Well habits are hard to break and I let the ability to "worry" become something that has a negative impact on my life.
Capella University is indeed expensive but I have heard nothing but fabulous comment from former Capella Ph.D. learners. I emailed two learners in particular whom both gave me excellent feedback regarding Capella's doctoral programs. One student stated, "Capella in general was a great experience, I feel that I learned so much from their doctoral program. Mostly it helped me improve my writing skills, research abilities, and thought processes. It also made me more aware and appreciative of the work done by others in scholarly endeavors. All professors that I had were highly professional, had high academic standards, and were always willing to help when I had questions. I’ve heard it said that you get out of anything what you put into it. I approached Capella wanting to earn a 4.0 GPA and was willing to do that level of work – whatever it took to succeed – and was not disappointed, even for a minute." Email excerpts like this one were most helpful in helping me to decide which program would best meet my personal and professional needs.
So what does what about the plan God has for me? I do not know exactly what He has in store for me but I am most willing to wait for His perfect timing! He has never disappointed me and I have always received much more than what I expected! I am less than a month a away from beginning the Ph.D. program with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction, and I am so excited! I previously completed an Education Specialist degree (doctoral level work) and Capella so graciously allowed me to transfer 40.5 credit hours to apply towards the completion of this degree.
I know this is the beginning of many positive things to come and until His plan is carried out I am willing to always do my part for I know all will be in His will.
In closing, my advice to others would be, always know that God has a plan for you and if you do what you know is right, and trust Him for the answer to all of your wonders, worries, concerns, and/or problems, He will provide you with the necessary answers and skills to succeed.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope & a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (my all time favorite bible verse)
My inspiration to start a blog came from an article I read provided by Capella University entitled, "Write Your Dissertation An Hour A Day" by Michael Franklin and a blog entry entitled, Dissertation Tips by Dr. Deb.
