Mar
7

The power to change + $100 visa giveaway

Posted by & filed under Giveaway, Life.


I’m super excited to be partnering with Kaplan on this post today. This blog series is about becoming proactive with your education and actively seeking opportunities to learn and advance your career. I’m a huge believer in continuing your education, whether that is from taking classes online, watching you tube videos or reading books. I think we always have room to grow and learn new things. One of our favorite activities to do as a family is to go to the Library together. I am constantly amazed at how fast my kids learn and it has helped keep me on my toes. I hope one day to be able to go back to school and finish my degree. During high school I went to beauty school and then started on my associates after that. Once I had kids I had to stop and definitely plan on going back once they are a little older. Since my husband has been in school for the last 20 years, I thought I would let him chime in for this post. He is so hard working and his hard work has paid off. He will be graduating medical school this May and starting his residency this summer (here’s to another 5 years)! He is such a an example to me. Take it away hunny…

 

 

It was over ten years ago, while I was still in high school, that I decided to embark on a career path that required a lifelong commitment to education. I worked hard to get good grades at the time so that I would be able to go to college, one step of many, to obtain my goal. For my efforts I was awarded a tuition free scholarship to Arizona State University. My days were long, full of classes and labs but I felt like I needed to get some experience in the field that I was pursuing to see if I was a good fit before I was invested too deep. I got a job at a local hospital as a patient transporter. It was my job to push patients on their hospital beds, stretchers, or wheelchairs to get their radiology tests. It was a pretty basic job but I enjoyed making conversation with the elderly, experienced patients.

My next step was to transfer to a job in the emergency room. In addition to my classes at ASU I took an 8 credit hour course to become certified as an emergency medical technician. With this certification I met the requirements to work as an emergency room technician. When I applied there were only night shifts available This was not something that I wanted to do, especially while I had a full plate of classes; although, I was offered the job and I took it. I remember several specific instances where I would finish my 12 hour night shift and have to drive straight to ASU for a long day. It took nearly 2 years before I was able to transfer to the day shift but I knew that the medical field was the career path that I wanted to pursue.

dream

via

 

I was later married, began my family, and was accepted into medical school. I learned an important tip while I was at school to improve my ability to learn that has helped me in real life. I was advised on one occasion that I should keep a note card with me that I could write on anytime I heard something that I didn’t know about. That way, I could look it up later and become familiar with it for the next time it came up in discussion. Initially, I was filling up my notecards in a flash. Eventually, as I became more knowledgeable, I noticed that I was only writing a few things each week on my card. It was amazing to see how much I was able to improve by keeping up with this small task. My father has a similar method of learning. Instead of keeping a card or a notepad and waiting to hear something that he doesn’t know much about, he actively chooses to learn a new word each week. He practices using the word throughout the week and is usually able to commit it to memory in that time frame. What a great way to increase your vocabulary! In a world where knowledge is at the tips of our fingers with access to the internet, a desire to learn becomes more and more important to better prepare ourselves for our current position and for our future. It seems ridiculous but I have already had experiences where even knowing or being familiar with just one more word than another applicant has been the difference in getting the job/promotion. So whether it’s finally finding out what HTML really means or, in my case, what the difference between a hordeolum and a chalazion is, writing things down and looking up the meaning later has been one tool that I have used to help me obtain my goals.

 

Giveaway

 

Change is inevitable. But, making change happen when you want it to can be hard. And when you want to make a real change, you need to learn something new. Because education is the key to change, Kaplan has spent 75 years re-writing the rules of education. Because they believe that education is not one size fits all. A system focused on the needs of individuals can give students the power to change their lives. Kaplan wasn’t satisfied with the status quo, and you shouldn’t be either. To jumpstart your change, we encourage you to watch Kaplan’s video series, Visionary Voices, to hear the latest insights on emerging trends from notable thought leaders; participate in Kaplan’s ADVANCE: Career. Education. You. group on LinkedIn to connect with professionals committed to life-long learning; and connect with students, alumni and educational professionals at StudentAdvisor.com, Kaplan’s one-stop-shop for the latest education news, reviews, and advice.

 

I’d love to hear from you and learn how education has given you the power to change! Leave a comment below and be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card!

 

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 3/7/2013-3/31/2013

Be sure to visit the Kaplan Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

You might also like

A pick your prize pin it to win it!

A pick your prize pin it to win it!

The best brownie tip

The best brownie tip

Join in!

140 Responses to “The power to change + $100 visa giveaway”

  1. Mami2jcn

    Even though I’m a stay at home mom now, I am really proud of the undergraduate and graduate degrees I earned. I think it sets a good example for my children to follow.

    Reply

  3. Leighann

    I worked my way through college and I’ve never regretted finishing my education. Whether you work in the same field or not, I feel it gives you a more well-rounded perspective on the world. The same as you and your dad, I also believe learning little things each day is fun and rewarding.

    Reply

  4. Shelise

    Thanks to your husband on the postcard tip, I’m going to do that. I am working full time and going to school part time, grateful that I am able to get an education! I’m excited to learn new things through Kaplan!

    Reply

  8. Megan

    Having an education has allowed me to get a job in a field that I didn’t study in school (I studied biology and now work in law–go figure!) and after a break, I am now back in school to get a certificate to better my chances of getting a better paying job. I was hoping to be married by now and be a stay-at-home mom, but that hasn’t been in my cards yet and so I have to be able to support myself. Having an education has been critical in order for me to do so. School was, and is hard, especially since I work full time too, but it is so worth it! :)

    Reply

  9. Kelsey Bang

    super great giveaway! I actually did kaplan for months helping me with the ACT. totally worth it! I have actually graduated with degrees from 3 schools and feel like learning makes me happy. I didnt always feel that way in school :) Now that I am done with school I feel a void in my life. I feel since I have learned to like learning, it has made me a better person! It makes me enjoy new experiences more, and try to take a lesson away from everything I do.

    Reply

  11. Jennysue

    The education I received as an undergrad gives me the power to move on to a job that can make a difference in someone else’s life!

    Reply

  12. jenna

    Going back to school this year is showing my kids that we all can do hard things! It is also very fulfilling.

    Reply

  13. Katie

    Not even kidding, my school had a video and we did a project with “Be the Change” this morning! How fun to see that same quote on your blog today. My degree is in secondary education. I have a BS for now, but am getting ready to apply to graduate school to get my Masters. My degree (and by working in education) has shown me that we really are lifelong learners, and I truly believe it is important to keep learning, no matter if it’s a new skill or a new subject!

    Reply

  14. Belle

    Growing up in poverty and not knowing where the next meal was going to fill my belly, I made a promise to myself that I would not live like that for the rest of my life. I broke the mold of being pregnant and on food stamps. I studied hard and took out loans to go to college where I received my undergraduate and graduate degree in education. I am now teaching students how they can overcome life’s difficult obstacles with education.

    Reply

  15. Ellie W

    I was pregnant with my third son while finishing my first semester of college courses. I thought it was important to finish no matter how hard it was at the time. It helped me get a good job afterward getting my degree and give my kids a better life

    Reply

  17. kelly

    I graduated from college and little later than most, but b/c of that I was able to pay for most of it myself. We homeschool our kids and I am constantly learning some new and random fact. You really are never too old to learn any thing from any one!

    Reply

  20. Shawn B!

    Education is so much mo than just the knowledge of subject matter… It makes you a more well rounded individual. And helps you grow in who you are.

    Reply

  21. Christa

    I was the first in my family to get a degree, and it has empowered me to make the future better for my kiddos!

    Reply

  22. hannah

    Upon finishing my degree I found an internship in marketing…I now work in the healthcare industry using my degree to its fullest help people get proper services and equipment.

    Reply

  23. Angela P.

    In college, I found that the classes I struggled with the most were usually the most helpful in the long run. It taught me that the same is often true in life. When you are going through something difficult, put yourself into it and learn all that you can. You will be thankful later.

    Reply

  24. Holly B

    Education really opened me up to all the possibilities. Even when things aren’t going great, I still feel that I have more power and resources to change them.

    Reply

  25. Kimberly H

    I am currently a second year graduate student working towards a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. As I look forward to the challenges of a career in research in a fast-growing field, I know I will be learning things throughout my lifetime! I’ve found that it is far more motivating to learn when the topic is interesting to you – so dive into whatever new craft, skill, language, etc. is interesting to you.

    Reply

  26. Cindy Brooks

    The most important thing(s) I learned in college is how to learn and how to communicate! I’m a firm believer that if you can do those two things you can do anything. I know how to find an answer when I need it (and I learned before the internet was available) :)

    Reply

  28. Cindy Brickley

    Knowledge of any kind is essential for our well being, we learn something new everyday of our lives. I was lucky that I had a job that paid for education and any seminars that were helpful in business study.

    Reply

  31. Mercedes Cassity

    Having an education has allowed me a job that lets my children have more of what I never did as a child. Its not a lot, but at least we do not have to worry about a room ofver our head.

    Reply

  32. Lori Z.

    I like the idea of learning a new word every week. Right now, I’m learning a bit about physiology as I learn how to run and keep my body strong–my PT friend is helping with the exercises and she’s so technical I think I know more about muscles and nerves than I did in Human Anatomy in college :)

    Reply

  33. JoEllen

    It has been interesting watching my children learn and grow in school and encouraging them to stretch and do the best they can with the talents they have been blessed with.

    Reply

  34. Shelly

    I’m also a stay-at-home mom but am proud of my degree. I know that I worked hard and am a better person for it. It shows my children that education is important to me.

    Reply

  35. Holly

    My husband is in Medical school right now too! ; ) I graduated with my BA in Dental Hygiene when he started as a College Freshman. It feels like we have been in school forever, and still have 7 years to go! It’s worth it though. Knowledge is power and I love that our children can see our commitment and hard work!

    Reply

  36. Elena

    My education gave me an opportunity to help other people

    elena150980 at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  38. LinhC

    A business degree in Management Information Systems allowed me to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career for 25 years.

    Reply

  41. Britany

    I LOVE to learn, I am excited right now to be learning so much (mostly by reading on the internet) about blogging and photography in preparation to starting my own blog!

    Reply

  44. Karen

    As a psychologist in training, education has shown me how one person can truly make a difference in someone’s life

    Reply

  45. marybeth i

    I have a degree and that has given me opportunities that someone without a degree would not have. I stress the importance of an education to my girls.

    Reply

  46. Susan Smith

    I agree that having an education opens up more possibilities. I’m a stay at home Mom now but when my children are older I can choose to work part or full time and having education will make it easier to get back into the work force when I choose to.

    Reply

  49. April V

    As a mom of three that is just now going back to school, education is providing me a chance at working my dream job…finally. And being able to support my family.

    Reply

  50. Erin

    Great piece to show that change can be challenging and fulfilling. Especially when it involves going back to school.

    Reply

  51. jessica w

    After finishing college in 2.5 years with my bachelors, I was able to get a lot of great experience and will go back for an advanced degree eventually.

    jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

    Reply

  53. Michelle C

    Education has gotten me to a higher paying job that I otherwise would not have and I am thankful.

    Reply

  57. Sandra

    I am always looking for new ways and things to learn! I find I get bored with the same ol same ol all the time.

    Reply

  58. Summer

    Education has given me the power to change by starting my own racing company and becoming a track coach.

    Reply

  64. Michelle P.

    This past year I took online classes on starting a business and on learning WordPress. Those have allowed me to embark on a new hobby/part-time job as a blogger!

    Reply

  66. Kelly Massman

    Education gives me the power to realize that I have talent and that I can stick to something so I’m not afraid to try new things. :-) Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    Reply

  67. Wild Orchid

    Having an education took me from being a secretary to an accountant! It really gives you a chance to boost your career and definitely gave me more options.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

    Reply

  69. Lilly

    I was able to use my GI Bill to get a BA in Management and am so proud of myself. It’s motivated others in my family to finish their education! I am now a stay-at-home mom and a Thirty-One Consultant, but it’s something that I truly believe is important for everyone!

    Reply

  70. Emi Sorensen

    I feel very fortunate that I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree because there are many men and women who desire to further their education, but don’t have the means to. That said, one doesn’t need a diploma to make great change in their life. Wonderful things are possible simply through the act of learning. Pick up a book, read a paragraph, learn something new for the day. I want to instill a love of reading and learning for my son and future children. Nothing is more inspiring than discovery.

    Reply

    • Emi Sorensen

      I am replying to my own comment. :) It was sort of all over the place so I apologize! Ha ha ha

      Reply

  72. Amy Tong

    My native language was Cantonese, another more popular Chinese dialect is Mandarin and I didn’t know what language until I took a few classes in college. Later in my career, I was the supervisor of an Asian team which required me to speak both dialect to be qualify. Education has given me the power to change, for a better life. If I didn’t learn Mandarin in college, I would not get the promotion for that supervisor position.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply

  74. Cynthia C

    I feel that I am a more finished person because of my education. I was rewarded with a satisfying lifetime career that influenced many people.

    Reply

  78. sarah hirsch

    Education has given me a strong foundation and I feel like I can make solid decisions. I can also make persuasive arguments when needed to push a bit of change along.

    Reply

  79. Rebecca Graham

    Education gave the choice to have a long career doing a job I love and to be a good influence for my children.

    Reply

  81. tamar

    my education has gotten me inspired to go into a field i love and have been extremely successful at!!!

    Reply

  82. Stephanie V.

    Education (and putting myself through undergrad at UC Berkeley and graduate school) is the whole reason I have a career, am confident and diverse, and can lead my family and career in forward motions — to change whenever life demands it!
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply

  83. nannypanpan

    it gave me the ability to walk into job interviews knowing i know my stuff and have a degree to back it and that i can aim high
    [email protected]

    Reply

  84. ky2here

    My education created a hunger for travel. Without college, I would never have been curious about other continents and now I’ve visited them.

    Reply

  85. Shannon

    I am a true believer in life-long learning. I recently joined a writing group and have taken a couple of creative writing classes in the past year.

    Reply

  86. Kelly D

    Education has given me the power to change because after attaining my MBA, many doors were opened in the workplace. This allowed me to move up within my career and I was able to put my ideas to use and have my opinions heard.

    Reply

  91. Mary Calabrese

    My education has lead me to my current job where I help thousands of college students finance their educations.

    ighmeg at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  92. Lynn

    Love your husband’s story!

    My college education is giving me so many opportunities to pursue a career that will allow me to help others, continually grow, and give back to the community. I don’t know where I would be if I’d never gone to college, but I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I am today without my education.

    Reply

  93. janna

    My social work degree gives me the power to help others change their lives.
    Thanks! Janna JOhnson [email protected] janna@feedyourpig on gfc

    Reply

  94. angie lilly

    When I started college, I was going into elementary education specializing in mathematics. After a year in this major, I had an English teacher tell me that I needed to write and I realized that kids were not my thing. I ended up getting my BA in English specializing in Creative Writing and now I freelance write about cats for money! I don’t know if I would have figured that out about myself without college really.

    Reply

  96. Sean

    I was the first in my family to get a college education, and I am so glad I did. I was formerly a spec. ed. teacher and now a school psychologist. Without higher education, I would not have the opportunity to work at a job I love. I get to inspire kids everyday. Life is good.

    seanm 1999 at hotmail dot com

    Reply

  99. Sarah L

    At age 64 I continue to take classes and learn new things. Lately it’s been about essential oils and gardening.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply

  103. Leslie S.

    I am going back to school in the fall.A further education will allow me more opportunities to provide for my family.It will also give me a sense of pride and accomplishment.Thanks!
    lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  112. Kirsten

    Going to college allowed me to have control over my life, to learn that the decisions I make can make a difference.

    Reply

  115. Carolyn Daley

    I am glad to have an education because I believe knowledge helps us with everyday problems. I apply math skills to taxes and monthly budgets, critical thinking and reading skills helps me to understand important documents, and other knowledge helps me feel confident in my decisions.

    Reply

  116. Nancy

    Education has opened many doors for me. It also gave me the confidence to strike out on my own and know that I will always be able to support myself.

    Reply

  119. heather c

    I know that, with my education, I can put my mind to something and get it done. I had a well-rounded education, so whatever my goal, I’m not afraid of trying.

    Reply

  122. Nicole Larsen

    Education has given me power to be a veterinary technician. I am a stay at home mom now but attended college for a vet tech, so if i choose to go back I can!

    Reply

  124. syy

    I love my job, I got it because of my education. I can work in the us, and have flexible hours.
    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply

  126. Tabathia B

    It helped me gain marketable job skills which enabled me to get a great job
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  128. Amanda Sakovitz

    I’m going to school now to be a rad tech. It’s a two year program and its hard, I’m not going to lie. Thankfully I graduate in May but I’ve gotten to know myself better during this program than I ever have before and I think its made me stronger and a little more confident.

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    Reply

  132. Suzie Williams

    Education gave me the power to change my family’s history. I was the first in my family to go to college. I hope that sets an example for my children.

    Reply

  138. burghbaby

    A little hard work and a lot of education is how I managed to climb out of the trailer park and into a beautiful home.

    Reply