'Real' Men Go Back To School
Why Earning an Online Degree is Good for You & Good for Your Family
- Being a 'real' man has little to do with masculinity or machisimo
- Education can enrich not only your fathering, but other aspects of your life
- Online education is a popular and effective way to learn new skills and refine knowledge gained by experience without sacrificing a steady income and continuing to work
Since 1991, women have consistently outnumbered men in college enrollments. In 2006, 56 percent of undergraduate students and 59 percent of graduate students were women. Where are the men?
Some men pass over college to directly enter the workforce or military service. Others delay college for travel or other self-reflective activities.
Trends are changing, however, and more men are looking into online education. They are discovering it's the perfect way to learn new skills while continuing to work. Online education also provides an economical way to start a new career path and maintain flexibility within our nation's increasingly unstable economy.
We learned long ago that eating quiche has no impact on real men. So, what, in fact are the traits of real men? Read on and find out.
- 'Real' men are role models.
Men often serve in positions of power—they are leaders in government, business, management, churches and families. They are seen as role models in their communities and they can set the tone at home and in the workplace.
Whereas women often are the glue that holds families together—men are the rock upon which a family is built. That's why going back to school online is such an important and valuable act—it not only advances your own career—but also elevates you as a role model within your family and community.
- 'Real' men are focused.
When a real man sets his mind to something, he stays the course. He sets his goal, details a plan for achievement, and works steadily until it is reached. Distractions abound in today's fast-paced world. But a real man sets aside time each day to study and complete coursework, and he filters out time-wasters such as television and arbitrary web surfing.
Real men set high, yet realistic goals, based on the needs of his family and current situation. Some men will start with an online course or two—others will dive headlong into a complete online program or certificate. In either case, a real man always will put on his game face and remain focused on the task at hand.
- 'Real' men can express themselves.
Self-expression comes in handy when it's time to participate in the digital discussion boards. Online courses make it convenient to kick your dogs up in the comfort of your own home while collaborating with fellow students online.
Some students are initially wary of online chats and discussion boards, but the majority discover that being "anonymous" online is a freeing experience. Real men will take advantage of the opportunity to learn new technologies and realize that these same tools are increasingly common and necessary in the workplace.
- 'Real' men ask for help when they need it.
Going back to school requires time and dedication. Online students report how indebted they are to the people in their lives who enabled them to complete an online certificate or degree. They allowed spouses, parents, in-laws, neighbors and friends to pitch in and help with childcare and household chores. Particularly during high-stress times such as final exams, help is key.
All online students need support when they go back to school. Real men will ask for it.
- 'Real' men value family.
Real men value the humor, emotion, love and support of family. Families motivate men to achieve and succeed. Men want to provide a safe environment for their families, and going back to school can help men fulfill that domestic need for physical and financial security.
Being a good educational role model for kids also is part of a real man's role—and it not only includes helping with homework and being involved in school and extracurricular events—it also involves your own advancement in education. When you go back to school and show that you personally value education, you are establishing positive lifelong habits for your children.
- 'Real' men earn their own wealth.
No room for Paris Hiltons here. Real men work hard for their own success and financial security—it's the hallmark of the American dream. Few reach Trump-like status, and that's not what we're going for here. We're looking for basic, day-to-day security for our families and futures.
Going back to school can boost your salary, forge a path to promotion, and increase your personal pride and satisfaction in the workplace. Priceless.
- 'Real' men see the big picture.
A mortgage, college tuition, comfortable retirement, and emergency expenses—the big picture can be overwhelming.
Real men take it step-by-step. They know big picture success is achieved through consistent hard work and small steps forward.
They plan ahead; yet adjust to unforeseen curves in the road and blips in the radar. Going back to school can help you achieve big picture security through immediate action.
- 'Real' men change the world.
Building businesses, innovating new products, and pioneering new industries are achieved through sheer grit and hard work. Take a tour of history's greatest men. You'll find thinkers, explorers, innovators—individuals who dared to veer off the common path.
Real men tackle new technologies, learn new languages, and embrace new ways of thinking to adapt to our dynamic society. Go back to school and watch how your world changes.
- 'Real' men don't blame others for their current situation, but resolve to do whatever necessary to improve it.
A yo-yoing economy. Rising unemployment and home foreclosure rates. An unpredictable future. It's easy to seek someone to blame for the gloom and doom. Even if we could pinpoint the blame, it doesn't change the data.
Real men acknowledge mistakes made, and move on. Real men recognize ways to improve, and make progress in those areas. Real men don't wallow in self-pity or regret. They seek new opportunities and ride the wave of sea change.
- 'Real' men go back to college.
2009 looks to be a year full of change. A new president, economy and job opportunities will impact everyone, regardless of their current financial situation. Going back to school online will allow you to keep working while earning a degree—or explore a new career path after a layoff.
Online programs are keeping pace with increasing demands for "green" jobs, innovation, and sustainability. New courses are being added all the time that provide opportunities for earning a college certificate or degree—while pioneering new U.S.-based research, industries and products. Enroll in a forward-thinking course in one of these areas:
Real men are part cowboy, part scientist, and part superhero. They play many roles and manage many competing demands. Take control of your future and enroll in an online program today. Real men do.
References:
Ronni Rowland is a writer based out of Orange County, CA. She regularly writes for eLearners, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, and San Diego Family Magazine. Her work has also appeared in Nick Jr. Family Magazine, Daughters, Montessori Life and the Orange County Register.
Comments for 'Real' Men Go Back To School:
1 comment(s)
darius brown On Tuesday, April 13 2010
i need help from yall good people