My Plan for Excelsior

[DaFreak71]

When I first began to learn about Excelsior, I couldn't help but think "wow...I can sail through this stuff quick!". But the other day something happened.

I have a math tutor that comes to my home every Friday. I don't have any math classes, I just like math and I like learning more. It kinda hit me suddenly, but after three months of weekly tutoring, I sat on my patio and thought to myself "I am retaining so much more information through tutoring than I ever have through a traditional class".

I'm a really good student, always make great grades, I love studying, etc. But school just gets me all freaked out. I finally figured out why...I actually like learning and I don't like for it to feel forced. I don't like the rapid fire launch of information designed to loosely grasp it and spit it back out on a test.

Instead of rushing through the Excelsior program, I'm going to take it at MY pace. Maybe my pace will be relatively quick, but probably not. I don't envision flying through the exams (hats off to those who can and do! Mad props 4 ya!). I'm giving myself permission to learn at a comfortable pace that allows me to delve into information that might ordinarily be glossed over in a traditional program.

I guess what I'm saying is that even though I am 95% positive that I could sail through every exam in about two months, I want to relish the learning process. I want to feel like I've gotten my money's worth and I want to feel like I managed my program instead of my program managing me.

So many times in nursing school I wanted to delve deeper, but due to time constraints, it wasn't allowed. But now the ball is in MY court and I get to learn and bask in the glow of my education at my own unique, individualized pace. This feels VERY empowering. So I might spend an extra $440.00 per year if that's what my pace dictates, but it's really quite a small price to pay for the confidence and the feeling of diligence that comes with respecting my own needs.

I may find I need less time that think I will, but if I do need it, it feels good knowing that it's there. I'm not beholden to an artificial time line (a semester) to complete X material. If I am enjoying it and want to play with it more, Excelsior affords me that opportunity without the threat of being "left behind" or kicked out of a program. I realize that even Excelsior has time frames, but they are quite liberal.

No more will I be pigeon holed into a traditional academic setting with cookie cutter time lines. This is my life, my education, my passion...and I'm free to pursue it at a pace that feels natural to me. What an absolute luxury!

Nursing school has ceased to be a source of stress. I never thought I'd ever truly believe that possible.

This is me and my future self: :hug:

[JulesRN10]

what a great attitude! i have loved excelsior because as an adult/"non-traditional" student, the thought of having to sit in a class full of young-i-have-better-things-to-do-can-i-borrow-your-homework just made me want to change my major. i should be able to finish this program in a very similar time frame to what it would have been through the local cc without the stress and pressure of it all! i love it!! good luck in your plan, and relish your studies--it's not often as adults we get to do things we want and in the time we want to do it!

[toby4]

Very understandable...I give you credit for making the choice and being concerned. Its easy for a person to forget the materials when he/she was stressed learning the material. Boy can I vowage for that LOL. When we have time to go over the information in a relaxed manner it is easier to understand it and easier to recall. Not ever knowing when we will need to use the information. Best of wishes with your upcoming exams! Donna :)

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

Really nice post (props 2 ya)

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Good for you! Nothing wrong with taking your time and enjoying the learning. :)

[caliotter3]

Good for you! You have a great attitude! Isn't it great that they allow you seven years to complete? I would still pace myself to allow maximum time for the CPNE at the end, but sounds like you have the right approach. Good luck.