Foster

Molly Foster

Dr. Angela Miss

UWRT 1104-20

06 February 2017

When analyzing my Student Learning Assignment, based on my career goals and my

major at the time, pre-nursing, I defined my paper by using three specific parts. First, I stated my

goals and ambitions. Next, I discussed the concepts I have already learned, and then I discussed

the plans I hope to accomplish moving forward. It was important to clearly state my end goal in

the beginning of the paper because the readers were easily able to see the purpose before

understanding the logic behind it. By doing this, I was able to persuade my professor that I was

dedicated to continuing in the nursing program no matter what would come my way, by using

not only logos but an assertive tone. Whether it be a bad test grade, others telling me I wouldn't

make it, or being stressed to my breaking point, I would push myself to finish strong.

Starting the essay by addressing what I wanted out of this whole journey, which was

having a career in nursing, conducted a transition into the next paragraph by discussing the many

things that I learned in my first semester of college. Most in which have shaped me into the

person I am and given me the focus to set goals for after graduation. These experiences come

from knowing from a young age that this was what I wanted to do, I explained that my

background consisted of growing up in a church, where my parents instilled in me as a child to

do as much good as I could, and to be a lover of all types of people. As I got older, I developed a

strong desire for doing things for people I knew could never repay me.
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This inspired my love for nursing, and I knew this career path would allow me to do these

things and find that satisfying feeling I longed for. Then, coming to college and being in a

completely different environment with a larger workload made me reconsider a lot of the things

that I once believed were very attainable. Being part of a community that takes academics more

seriously, and reserves themselves to the empowerment of education leaving behind the time for

social experience. Academic rigor is a great and wonderful thing, but something quite different

than high school where it's easier to find balance. These new external influences took a hold on

some big dreams I once had. Before being exposed to certain challenges, I always thought I

would be a healthcare professional who would be making a large salary. But coming to Charlotte

was a step into reality, making me see that I need to set realistic goals and follow the things I

have a heart for and the motivation to do. My first semester tested me in more ways than I ever

imagined, and there were numerous times I thought of giving up. A couple of failing grades on

my chemistry tests and coming back from class every day to spend five plus hours on homework

were not only things I didn't want, but things that but a huge strain on me. I talked to some

advisors and other peers and they each had their own opinion, which helped me from my own.

Two of my close friends, one in which had made it into the program, explained to me that

nursing at Charlotte was not the way to go because there is no time for anything else, and she

pleaded that I choose a different path. I thought long and hard about it, and evaluated the choices

at hand. Internally, it really wore on me because I felt torn trying to value the opinions of those

close to me but also my own feelings. Yes, being a freshman in college, I knew I didn't have to

make my final decision immediately, but being the type of person I am, I go wholeheartedly into

things for several days I fell into deep distress.

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All I could think about was knowing that continuing on it would only get harder, but then

I thought about who I was, someone who doesn't give up easily. It was a fact that in order to

stick with it, I had to devote myself to my study habits and asserting time every day for bettering

my learning ability. As I stated in my previous paper, I have also learned that one of the best

things I can do is set short term goals for myself. Because with each goal I feel like I improve

more and more until ultimately reaching my long term goals (Foster 3). Again, affirming that I

realize the task at hand, and the immediate strategies I planned to act on in order to help me

complete the task. Continuing in the essay I again established myself by explaining the things I

do well - such as studying in groups, making a list of things I need to do and getting those things

done. I know I have higher test scores and learn more by doing these different strategies,

therefore, I stated that I must become accustomed to it. The academic community is very

competitive especially dealing with this program. It can be very easy to get lost in the numbers

and do a lot of hard work, and still be rejected. Like anything else, its one of those things you

have to try because the reward will be great. Knowing my strengths, I initiated a plan for myself

that should hopefully get me to where I need to be in the future - if I stay true to it.

The main purpose of the paper was to understand how I felt about nursing at that time by

allocating that, I still have a huge heart for nursing and believe that one day it will be my career

(Foster 3). Discussing the things, I have learned, the people I have met who have strongly

advised me how hard it is going to be, and the tools I will need to be successful. Lastly, I wanted

to make a plan to execute for my future knowing my strengths and the various things I needed to

focus on. I wanted my intended audience, which was my professor, to understand my dedication

to the nursing program. While many people have told me that it's far too competitive, far too

challenging, I know I am strong willed and confident in my commitment to nursing. As I stated

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...just going off the things I have learned so far, I have realized that college is not something

you can take lightly. Being driven and determined will be a huge backbone for all my

accomplishments (Foster 2). Therefore, I focused on persuading my professor, by assuring her

that I have the drive and motivation to keep going because I know that in the end the reward will

be worth it.
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Works Cited

Foster, M. (2016). Student Learning Outcome 1. Unpublished Manuscript.