For Essays Guru M8D1 Responses

Jeff,

My most significant learning experience throughout this course was learning some history about our Military of the past.  I was never a big history buff, so taking this class definitely brought more to light for me.  I do not do a good enough job at learning about our Nation’s history but I do enjoy it, after the fact.  This class forced me to do just that, and I am appreciative of it.  Every time I learn something new about the history of the US Military, it makes me appreciate what I do, that much more.  One thing that really hit close to home for me was the essay about the USS Indianapolis.  After conducting the research about Capt McVay and the tragic event that him and this crew went through, it made me do a little more digging into that Area of Operation, and I found out that my father was on a sister battleship in the same area during WWII.  

            A good take away from this course that I have, will be my enhanced ability to conduct quick research on many different topics at once, and this will benefit me in my military career and future personal endeavors throughout life.  This course has helped me to know that I can take on multiple tasks at once, and not have it be overwhelming.  It will also help me in my efforts to track down pertinent information in a more efficient manner.  I find myself being a bit frustrated while taking classes at night and working full time during the day but every time I complete a one, I look back and realize how much I can take on at one time, and not let some of the little things in life get to me.

Jay,

As one of my final posts, I like to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone in the class. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and responses on the topics we discussed.  This is my last class so I’m super excited. I’m on the fence on whether or not to start on my Master’s because of my upcoming move overseas. I’ve been told the time difference and internet where I’m going makes it very difficult. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I wish all of you the best of luck in your future schooling and careers.

What was the most significant learning experience for you in this course and why?

     The most significant thing I learned in this class was the modules on critical thinking. I’ve never really had to discuss or research what it was until this class. After reading the material it was apparent that I was not applying critical thinking to many areas of my life. At work I was, but in my personal life I was just kinda winging it. As many of you can relate to, my wife pretty much runs the show as far as bills and schedules because I have been gone so much over our 21 years of marriage. So I just bring home the pay check and be where she tells me to be which is why I have never really had to apply much thought to anything in my home life.

What did you learn that will assist you in your personal or professional life?

      The combination of ethics, diversity and communication will assist me in my professional life. I’ve taken many classes that have covered diversity and ethics, so those two areas are always part of my thoughts, but the types of communication we discussed I definitely need to improve on. PowerPoint’s and briefing are not my strong suite even though I’ve done them numerous times.  Every time I have to build one and brief it, I stress out.

How will you apply what you learned in your future work?

     I will definitely need to beef up on my PowerPoint’s and briefing because in less than 2 months I’m getting stationed overseas on an Admirals staff. I’ve been on a staff before, but I was a much junior in rank and mostly just provided data for the slides and pushed the next button for the briefer. Now I will most likely be the brief builder and briefer and when your briefing a Flag Officer you need to know your stuff inside and out to field any questions they may ask.