Going to school at age of 44 is a nightmare for most people. Studying on a limited time combined with handful responsibilities in the house as a parent, a wife, working as a full time nurse and a student at the same time. What else should I add? Oh,no! I am not wonder woman. It is great if I will be. But on top of everything family is a priority. Going to school is a part time, until it's perfect timing for me to be called in Nursing Program. While waiting, it is beneficial for me to add a little spice to my academic credentials.
Taking English 103 is the best choice for me. Mainly, because English is my second language. It will help me to enhance my skills in writing, reading, and critical thinking. But I am panicking and overwhelmed with this on line class. Why? I am not a computer genius that can tackle all the technical issues. But, not too bad I am learning slowly.
Critical thinking is a part me and every human being. We have the ability to think of whatever information we gather from other people, facts and environment. With those information, we create ideas of our own based on what we believe, orientation, cultural background and lifestyle. It does not necessarily mean that is true and acceptable to all. It might be influence with personal interest and this would create a conflict regarding thinking critically. According to" Dan Kurland's", critical thinking includes a combination of skills rationality, self awareness, honesty, open-mindedness, discipline and judgement. We have to separate our emotions and interests, analyze, weigh each side of the story, open to new ideas and gather an evidence to support our ideas. When I am reading a magazine, newspaper or books just like everybody else, we are entitled to our own opinion. There is always a question and an imagination that lingers in my mind. Honestly, it is always biased beacause I think based on how I feel and my interst. But like I said, everybody thinks differently.
It is totally different at work when I think critically . We have to follow of what it is written, skills, procedures and doctor's order for the benefit of patient's well being. I set aside of what I think because we have rules to follow in our profession. Our judgement as a nurse will always be within "Facilities Protocol" which is safe also for our professional license.
I am proud to be a Filipino, with its richness in it's culture, tradition, food and beliefs. But sad to say, our country is known for dirty political strategies. There is no such thing as law, it is always about popularity. Who you are, people you know, wealth and power that conquers all. Freedom of speech is limited and media is under protected by law or you are paid by some powerful authorities to seal the secrets. Most politicians on my point of view sits there for fame and personal interest, very seldom has the heart for a change. Of course I have bit analysis of political issue, like why I have to work and other's not and got paid. And all that food and rent is paid by the goverment, while I am working hard budgeting my check, adjust my hours at work to take care of my kids and still has to pay a huge amount of tax.
On my academic work, I have to think critically to pass my subject. It is a requirement as a student to research and gather information, to answer question and come up on a fact based conclusion. No guessing games, it takes a lot or reading from a lot of sources and critical thinking for me to be able to do my academic work.
My age, responsibilties and English as a second language always concerns me to limit my ability to learn. Sometimes, I would like to stop and be satisfied. I had my bachelor's degree in the Philippines, finished my LVN at Long Beach City College but with this economy and for my family's sake, I kept on going. I expect this class to change my belief that there is no limit to learn regardless of what situation you are facing. That I will enjoy reading, think critically and explore my writing ability to best express myself . And lastly, to help me achieve my goal, use it in my profession and my daily struggle in English.
