Today, I completed the courses Introduction to Health Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, and Programming Fundamentals, which were the last three I needed to fulfil the required 120 credits for my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree.

Somebody asked me which of the forty courses was the toughest. I thought about it, and my initial perception was that Algebra and Statistics would be the toughest. However, I worked hard and did well in those two courses. Accounting was not particularly difficult, but my previous accounting training was 35 years old, and it was challenging at first to get started again. So, no, not any course in particular.

But there were difficult days. Any journey has its ups and downs, and this journey was no different. The most challenging part is when your peers assess your work harshly while you know it is worth more.

One of my peers, Rodney Achinike Nsirim, from South Africa, shared with me the following wisdom: "I check my scores at the end of the time just after my exams. Especially with the Discussion Forums. I don't want to hold any grudge against any classmate who gave me a low score; I really can't add that to all my problems."

It is interactions with peers, such as with Rodney, that I will miss dearly in the next season. Additionally, my instructors provided me with encouragement throughout the journey, and this blog is a direct result of that support.

Will I recommend studying at the University of the People to anyone else?

Of course! Anytime!

A week or two ago, UoPeople referred a prospective student to me, whom I met for coffee in my hometown. I could see that he was hungry enough to study and get his degree. I am sure he will do pretty well. I provided him with as many details as possible, and I didn't sugarcoat anything. A fast-growing institution has its problems, too, but at least UoPeople addresses them and provides feedback.

Today, I am thankful for having completed what I set out to do years ago. The next question I must answer is: What now?

There is a proverb saying: Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

For the immediate future, I will continue to chop wood and carry water! However, as I have done with many past experiences, they are stored in my Life Toolbox, ready to be utilised when necessary.