Posted by Sherry Wright-Gully

Can you feel it, or should I say did you feel it? You know, that end of year hustle and bustle. Well, l can tell you that closing “out” the year for me felt more like the year was closing “in” on me. Work assignments were intense with time-sensitive tasks, and the holidays were fast approaching.

This meant decorating, Christmas shopping, and dinner preparations were waiting to happen and were high on the “To Do” list for holiday entertaining. To add to the list of things to do, I had an important paper to write for my Legal Issues in Organizations class. While I enjoy writing as a hobby, writing papers for a class is something different.

It’s different in a number of ways. First, you have a particular format to follow, such as APA style requirements. Then, you have to research information, cite that information, and include references – being careful to follow a proper format for that too.

Likewise, you have to make sure it flows well and transitions appropriately. With all of the requirements, it can become pretty scary because you have to earn a passing grade. And when it’s worth a large percentage of your grade, it can be very taxing on the mind.

When you combine all of this with your end-of-year work assignments and family, you can get pretty close to pulling your hair out.

But I never have to worry about that with the School for Professional Studies (SPS) because the instructors and academic advisors are there to help every step of the way – offering tips and direction on how to succeed with ease. If I am feeling overwhelmed, I can contact them and be assured they will reply in a timely manner.

The added perk is the convenience of online classes. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, I was able to maintain good grades throughout the course by logging in at times that worked for me.

As the course was culminating, the instructor offered the opportunity for the class to participate in a conference call regarding our final project. I found this to be very helpful because it allowed the class the opportunity to ask questions and get their questions answered on the spot.

I found that to be pretty amazing since I was sitting at my dining room table. Needless to say, I passed the course with honors. Earning a degree with SPS has never been so refreshing, now that’s what I call “home schooling” (smile).

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeontheedge/446580835/