Respond 2

Greetings, Class! My name is Michelle Chatman. I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. I attended college for the first time back in 1995-1997, at the age of 15-17. While I was bright at the time, I lacked direction and discipline, caring to socialize and work, more than go to class and study. I lived off campus and supported myself, beyond the post-secondary school scholarship that I was receiving from the state. As you may have guessed, University did not go well.

I have gone back to school a couple more times since my initial attempt at college, but work has always taken precedent. Now, I am a mom to two beautiful daughters (Aubriella one and Arianna three), an Army wife to the love of my life and recently jobless due to a PCS to Europe.

Being in Europe is a dream, however the circumstances could not be worse. As a family we were given no other option, and financially being here is a huge strain. Going from being a comfortable two income family, to being solely supported by our Soldier makes the situation really tough on us.

So I have been dealing with depression, and a lack of identity, because for the last 18 years I worked for the same company. I grew up the corporate ladder, earning a Director of Operations position and being responsible for the operations of my division across the United States. This included the management of 16 district managers, 40 supervisors and 600 plus contractors, not to mention client relationships with 30 plus sales teams and distribution centers, with their associated corporate personnel. I was in an awesome place for being a thirty-something with no college degree.

This brings me to today, I am attending college again at APUS and should have my Associates Degree in the Spring. I am considering becoming fluent in German, as well as getting the courage to get back into the job market. Hopefully with me having a career again, we will be able to travel more and take advantage of being in Europe.

Being in Germany, I am right in the middle of History. It is everywhere, with much just being a car ride away. My heart is set on visiting Rome. To be able to visit the Pantheon, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus would be memorable. Of course while in the area, I would want to go to the Vatican as well. I absolutely love architecture. So marveling at the everlasting beauty experienced by so many over time, would be a dream.

I look forward to hearing about your lives and travels. Here’s to a great class!

Michelle

2.

Hello everyone. I am Pawel Rawdanik. I was born in Olsztyn, Poland and emigrated to the United States not too long after my birth. I grew up in the suburbs south of Chicago, Illinois. I didn't do very well in High School so I ended up enlisting in the Marine Corps when I was 19. I was given a Ground Electronics Technician MOS and sent to 10th Marines as my first duty station. After 3 years on station, I executed PCS orders to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California. Along with serving as communications technician, I assist in the Mountain Communications course hosted here as an alternate instructor.

As for my goals regarding this course, there's only really one that matters. I want to pass the class with a good grade. Secondary to that is simply expanding my knowledge of history during the era covered by this class. Human history really becomes interesting for me near the end of the Renaissance and beyond so this class fits perfectly for me. I enjoy military history more so than the social, cultural, arts, etc. part of history but I still find those other aspects interesting.

I honestly cannot think of many historical sites I've been too. The thought of visiting them never really occurred to me. The only one I can think of that fits the bill is a small historical dedication to a Civil War battle in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It's in the middle of the base's training area and we happened to stumble upon it while conducting training one day. As for sites I'd like to visit, Normandy and Iwo Jima come to mind for obvious reasons.

I'm looking forward to this class and interacting with all of you. Have a great first week!

3.