Helping Students
True friendship is a tremendous
responsibility, a responsibility that I do not take lightly. My best friend has
wanted to return to school for many years to pursue her master's in education,
but due to life (married with children, work, financial) she postponed it until
now. She states she has never been a good writer and looked to me for help. While
I want to return to school to obtain another degree, I have found myself
literally back in school helping her. I am not complaining; it feels very good
to help someone and introduce them to the world of an advance degree.
So for the next ten weeks we will
be meeting to collaborate on writing papers, posting assignments and challenge
fellow students' postings on blackboard. Online education is new to my friend
but I really enjoy the virtual connection you can develop with a variety of
nurse professionals. On September 11, 2012 we met at the McDonald's to talk
about a paper on nursing theory until they kicked us out! This may sound
strange, but it was so much fun having the paper come together; we were high
fiving each other and laughing because the words flowed, and I could not be
more happy for her because one week prior she was doubting her decision and
considering quitting.
So the cheerleader in me had to
route her on. I truly believe if I can do it anyone can, it just takes the
commitment, determination, goal setting and visualization of the prize. I
decided to share this with my collaborating physician and I may have stated it
like, "Yeah, my girlfriend needs help with writing papers, I guess I am back in
school." His comment was, "Sometimes you just have to tell people no."
Really?! I do not think so; his words
left a bad taste in my mouth. How meaningful is my education if I do not help
someone who needs me. I am so glad when I needed help in school, I was not told
no. There are many nurses who have the drive, knowledge and expertise but not
the degree they need to advance, and if I can bring someone along I am very
willing to do it. My friend was very concerned about the online community and
mastering all that it has to offer. I told her in no time you will be a pro,
and it just takes time and patience.
So as we enter into week two, she is
getting responses and she is accusing students of "stealing her comments and
articles" and twisting them around (to me) and she is having anxiety again, so
the cheerleader directed her on constructive discussions and thoughtful
responses. That is how you obtain a healthy dialogue; that is what makes us
nurse scientists and professionals. Sigh...eight more weeks to go.