The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World

"Essay I wrote for Social Psychology. Kind of tricky because it had to be about myself but APA format kind of denies a writer of the right to use "I". Thus, I used "this author". Eh, you get the picture." - Jeannette Villatoro





The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World
Jeannette Villatoro
PYD0914A
Professor Debra Booker
April 5, 2009







Abstract

Each individual displays a self-efficacy that can change and morph with different phases of life. Some of the most momentous events in life that encumber the greatest self agility and determination is gaining an education through college. This author demonstrates the challenges and achievements she went through to pursue her undying passion for a college degree, the comparisons between the pursuit of the same goal from past to present, and the effect it has had on her personal life and in the social world she inhabits.









The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World

A college education is one of the most significant events that one can endure. The pursuit of an elongated educational endeavor can greatly affect how one perceives the outside world as well as the inner workings of their own mind, and the balance between the two elements. This author will illustrate the impact and implications of a unique social world in which educational development and the pursuit of a better self help modify how this author interacts with the world around her and internalizes the knowledge that has been acquired.

This author has always been moved by the learning experience, whether directly from living in a social world or the concentrated knowledge that is delivered from a specific course of study. Learning is a consistent process in which human beings thrive. But the pursuit of an education from college proves to be an enormous tool for success and understanding of one’s self, and has further propelled this author into a positive environment within a social world of learning and achieving. There are some important assertions that have come to light when contemplating the effects of school, however. It seems that the timing must be accurate for the attitude of the student and the place in life in which the student finds them self.

The day that this author chose to continue her education through online college courses at Ashford University was one of the greatest days of her life. Being a stay-at-home mother who focused primarily on her family has been a miraculous experience that has allotted amazing personal growth. It has also forged a more limited view and connection with the outside world in conjunction with this author’s own personal needs and wants. Attending college would no doubt help to eradicate the missing link between her personal world and the world in which she once felt a part of. Being a student once again would surely open her mind to new knowledge and intellectual thinking as well as change her attitude and feelings about herself. For certain it would also impact her family that she has been so dedicated to. It was a difficult challenge to bear for this author, but one that was necessary. Therefore, fine tuning would have to take place in order to continue with her dreams and goals while still maintaining the position within her family structure and keeping the important aspects of her life in the forefront.

In the past, this author went with the wave of most other graduated high school students and attended college immediately at the appropriate age. However, this author was less than motivated to do well, as the distractions prevailed and personal perseverance lacked immensely. “There are numerous variables that affect a student’s performance through college (Nelson, 2003, pg. 1)”. Having to make decisions on their own, the social pressures of college life, and fear of the unknown all contribute to poor college performance (Nelson, 2003). Although this author was arguably still intelligent at this younger age, she did not give college an honest effort. School curriculum was not a focus and the choices she made were sporadic as this author simply took classes that interested her rather than what would place her closer to her goal. The actual possibility of gaining more knowledge and becoming a better person was not a priority to this author and subsequently she gave up and left school. Despite this failure, this author has achieved many amazing goals in life reflected in her husband, children, and home. Her life has been blissfully pertinent and has brought her to a place in life in which responsibility, pride, and personal acceptance has flourished. Due to these elements she now possesses, she has the ability to embrace college with a new perspective.

This author has had great success with attending school in recent circumstances. It has proved to be a more intense and fulfilling experience than she could ever have imagined. Within the structure of learning, she has boosted her self confidence and has felt more valuable to the world around her. She has also been able to strongly acquire a passion for the career direction in which she chose to follow. These accomplishments have been life changing for this author and her family. Her present entrance into college has come at a time in which she was completely prepared due to her seasoned self-efficacy which allowed for the realization that she could complete her goal and obtain the degree that she has always wanted. The issues of the past no longer exist, as growing into an adult, wife, and mother has forced the reality that success comes from hard work and determination. After nearly two years of college, this author has applied those standards to learning and has reaped the rewards. She has proudly maintained a 4.0 GPA, has been on the Dean’s List consecutively, and has recently been inducted into the Honor Society Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda.

Life is a magical mixture of growing realization in one’s self and events that stimulate that growth. Failure and disappointment are in fact a part of life, but are meant to be changed into more positive successes. Self-efficacy has played an important role for this author, as it is the drive to go forth with her determination and to do well (Myers, 2005). Going to college was an amazing feat for this author that led to achievements beyond her expectations. The powerful self-efficacy she has allowed herself to gain along with the pursuit of educational growth has enlightened this author in ways that will allow her to broaden this spectrum to the outside world and continue to succeed in the future with confidence.

References

Myers, D. (2005). Social Psychology (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Nelson, R (2003).Student efficiency: a study on the behavior and productive efficiency of college students and the determinants of GPA. Issues in Political Economy. 12, 1.