NationsU

[rlw74]

I just figured I would give an accountability update now that I am a few days away from the six month mark. It has been a lot of hard work. I'm halfway through the program and have taken 20+ exams (some of them comprehensive proctored exams), and written 18 papers. Just for curiosity sake, I counted and that equaled out to 118 pages and 40k+ words! There have been 100s of internet links and probably somewhere around 30 hours of video lectures. I can't put an exact number on that part because a few courses have had 8-10 hours of video lectures and the rest have had multiple links embedded within the syllabus. I have read sooooo much - I've lost count of the number of textbooks. On average there are about 3 required textbooks per course and at least one was 1000+ pages. Because some papers have required 10 or more scholarly sources that has meant reading, at least in part, another dozen or so books.

I hit a bit of mental burnout over the last month. I guess its normal, considering I'm trying to study at night after the kids are in bed, and that makes for late nights. Aside from a 4 month break between TESU and Nations, I've been at this since January of last year. I'm also trying to decide how I should proceed. Since the tuition is charged annually and its an unlimited number of classes per year, I would love to finish within this first year. However, I have six more courses plus another comprehensive exam, plus a capstone essay. Some of these courses, just because of the amount of reading, are taking more than 4 weeks to finish. I think I might be able to finish if I buckle down, but I'm not sure. If its inevitable that I cannot make it happen by November 9th, I don't need to kill myself now. I could just take my time. BUT, it would just be really nice to finish and be able to graduate in December, instead of waiting until next year.

I have to say, the faculty and staff have been amazing. I really wasn't sure what to expect since many are volunteers and have a lot of responsibilities being professors at other schools. Some of them have pretty impressive credentials, and they have provided invaluable feedback. My advisor is awesome. She will even respond to emails or calls in the evenings or on weekends. I'm enjoying my studies (I've found I love to write papers more than anything else). Overall, its been such a positive experience. It is hard to believe I spent 20+ years trying to finish a Bachelor's degree and here I am halfway through a Master's degree in six months. I know I couldn't have done it without this forum. You all are amazing!