Grand Finale!

© J. Francois Barnard - 29 October 2020

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

Somebody asked me which of the forty courses was the toughest. I thought about it, and my perception at the start was that Algebra and Statistics would be the toughest. However, I worked hard and did well in those two courses. Accounting was not that difficult, but my previous accounting training dated 35 years back, and it was difficult 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. Also, my instructors encouraged me throughout the journey, and this blog is a direct result of such encouragement.

Will I recommend studying at UoPeople 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 gave him as many details as possible, and I did not sugarcoat anything. A fast-growing institution has its problems, too, but at least UoPeople handles it and gives 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! But as I have done with many past experiences, they go into my Life Toolbox, ready to be utilized when necessary.