Master's Program - A Walk in The Park

I have chosen to pursue a master’s program in Applied Digital Learning to enhance my personal growth and professional development in my field. Currently, I work as a dyslexia interventionist at a secondary school (grades 9-12), and before this role, I served as a Campus Testing Coordinator & 504 Coordinator as well as a Dyslexia Specialist. I aspire to expand my opportunities within my current position, as most roles in this area require a minimum of a master’s degree. It was important to me that I select a program that would provide tangible benefits and skills applicable to my existing professional responsibilities. It was essential for my family and me to develop a comprehensive plan for managing our time effectively. We recognized that once I commenced this program, my schedule would become quite demanding, and our financial situation would also change due to the necessity of funding the program out of pocket.

Support from my family and friends has also been instrumental in my decision to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Digital Learning. My children and my husband, who are my greatest supporters, have expressed a desire for me to become a principal someday, although I am still contemplating that path. I want to serve as a positive role model for them, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue education and that there is always knowledge to be gained. They witnessed my challenges while completing my bachelor’s degree in 2019; my daughter was 10 and my son was 6 at the time, and they remember the extensive hours I dedicated to my studies. Yet, they also saw the rewards of that effort when I graduated.

Additionally, my parents have motivated me in this journey. My mother completed only the seventh grade in Mexico, while my father has a bachelor's degree in Animal Science. He has consistently encouraged me and my siblings to recognize our potential, although we do not always heed his advice. Recently, my father has emphasized the importance of furthering my education to enhance my opportunities. I will be the first in my family among my four siblings to obtain a master’s degree, which fills my parents with pride. One of my hopes are that my siblings will consider advancing their education in the future.

My friends have been a source of encouragement for the past three years. Both hold leadership positions in education—one as an Assistant Principal and the other as a Math Instructional Coach at the secondary level. I have always looked up to them, as they have successfully achieved their master’s degrees and excel in their careers. While both of their paths are completely different, both individuals share a common objective of supporting teachers in their development as educators and leaders.

Upon completing my master’s degree, which I anticipate will be in December 2025, I intend to pursue opportunities that allow me to apply my degree effectively. I am particularly interested in roles within the Technology Department, such as an Instructional Technology Coach. Additionally, I would like to explore leadership positions, possibly as an ESL Coordinator, to assist teachers in supporting students with language barriers. Having been an ESL student myself, I understand the importance of recognizing both strengths and challenges to facilitate student success. I am also open to re-engaging in the role of 504 Coordinator, a position in which I have previous experience, particularly because my daughter has a 504 plan. Ensuring that students receive the necessary accommodations to create equitable learning environments is essential. "Act of 1973, which is a federal civil rights law to stop discrimination against people with disabilities. It is a blueprint of how a school and educators will provide support for a student with a disability and ensure that a student has equitable access to a learning environment. The goal is to remove any barriers and support a student to succeed in the general education classroom" (Shaffer & Burns, 2023). Furthermore, I am considering positions within the Special Education Department, as my son has an IEP plan. Similar to 504 plans, it is crucial for educators to provide the necessary supports and modifications for student success. While this is just a brief overview of potential career paths, I am eager to integrate technology into whichever role I pursue, as it is vital for educators to stay abreast of ongoing advancements.

My expectations for this Master's program upon completion are to enhance my confidence in technology and to gain proficiency in creating an e-portfolio, particularly after completing EDLD 5303, one of the courses in this program. Additionally, I aim to contribute to my campus by introducing innovative technology solutions. I am confident that completing the master’s program will significantly enhance my ability to contribute to my workplace, equipping me with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of education technology.

Balancing my commitments since beginning the master’s program has required careful time management. As a full-time student, employee, wife, and mother to two athletic children, I prioritize organizing my time effectively. I utilize calendars, checklists, and numerous reminders to stay on track. While this can sometimes feel overwhelming, it also brings me a sense of accomplishment as I work toward personal and familial growth. To facilitate family coordination, I have created a Google Calendar that allows my family members to add important events. This ensures that everyone’s schedule is considered, as I want my family to feel as valued as my academic pursuits, recognizing that they often rely on my availability.

When I feel overwhelmed by my various responsibilities, I find that going to the gym is particularly beneficial. Staying active helps me manage stress and decompress. I aim to walk on the treadmill for approximately 45 minutes, during which I often take the opportunity to read assignments or books related to the course. This is usually followed by a 45-minute strength training session. Engaging in these activities not only contributes to my physical health but also improves my sleep quality, allowing me to feel more refreshed the following day. I also incorporate yoga into my routine, as it promotes a sense of calm while I work on assignments. At times, I find it challenging to focus on my tasks due to a multitude of thoughts, but practicing yoga often leads to clearer insights. I firmly believe that students of all grade levels should consider incorporating some form of meditation into their routines.

One of the challenges associated with this master's program is the comprehensive cost of the courses, which amounts up to $10,000+. This figure does not include expenses for necessary materials such as textbooks and additional resources essential for success in the program, including a laptop for completing assignments and internet access for online meetings and coursework. Financially, this situation appeared quite challenging, as my husband and I still have a mortgage, along with other bills, sports expenses, and the need to save for our daughter's college education. Since I did not qualify for financial aid, my husband and I recognized the necessity to devise a plan. We created a shared spreadsheet on Google Sheets to keep track of our due dates and all outstanding bills. We prioritized essential purchases, particularly groceries, and established a budget for dining out, as we previously ate out frequently. Additionally, I canceled memberships that we do not utilize regularly. These measures have ensured that we can effectively manage our financial obligations.

While there may be obstacles to achieving a Master's Degree, it is certainly an attainable goal with the right effort. First, identify your motivation—ask yourself why you wish to pursue a Master's Degree and in which field. Consider the potential outcomes: what your next steps will be after completing the program and how you can leverage the skills you gain to assist others. Creating a comprehensive plan is essential, especially if you are balancing a full-time job, parenting responsibilities, and commitments as a spouse. Developing a calendar and utilizing checklists can be very effective in managing your time and tasks. Additionally, it is important to find ways to unwind and relax; engaging in activities that bring you joy and help alleviate stress, such as running or listening to music, can be beneficial. Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is crucial throughout this process. Finally, if you find yourself in a situation where you do not qualify for financial aid, this should not deter you. Review your expenses to identify potential savings, and explore whether your employer offers any financial assistance for educational programs. Reach out to your network to see if you might qualify for such opportunities.

Flynn, L. (2021, November 2). Scientific evidence for yoga & mindfulness in schools. Yoga 4 Classrooms.

https://yoga4classrooms.com/scientific-evidence-for-yoga-and-mindfulness- in-schools-how-and-why-does-it-work/

Shaffer, J., & Burns, S. (2023, August 8). The power of a 504 plan in Education. Graduate Programs for Educators.

https://www.graduateprogram.org/blog/the-power-of-a-504-plan-in- education/