Succeeding in the ADL Program

I am currently in my fourth class of the ADL program and while I’m not even halfway through the program, I have learned a few things so far on how to succeed in the program.

First, I have learned that I will get out of this program what I put into it. While that is true with many things in life, I am finding that it is especially the case with this program. The classes are set up in a way that allow us time to really get into our assignments and mold it into something that we will use in real life. I could just do the assignments to check a box that I’m finished, but in doing that I would get very little out of it. Since this is a project based program, I can take this time to get the feedback and guidance from my instructors and create a plan that I will be able to put into motion at my job. While the program is set up for us to succeed, it is up to me to put in the time and effort required to get the most out of it.

Second, I have learned that to be successful you have to be disciplined. The classes I have taken so far have not had due dates for discussion posts and that has been a bit difficult for me to adjust to. When I start a class I take all of the assignments and put them on my calendar. I do well with specific deadlines. However, some things, such as the discussion posts, not having set due dates has forced me to be more disciplined in setting my own due dates and not wavering from them. I’ll admit that I’ve struggled with this at times, but I believe I am getting better.

Finally, and these are not the only ways to be successful, I think it is important to have your support group. I’m talking about a support group of friends and family as well as your group you create with your peers in the course. When I first heard that we had to have groups, I admit I was not happy about it. I don’t do well with groups and group work. However, over the last couple of classes I have learned how valuable having those groups can be. While my group has changed in this course because my original group has moved on (they took two classes at a time while I took one), I still keep in touch with that original group. I like having my original group and now my new group to bounce ideas off of and get feedback. Surrounding yourself with support from people in your everyday life and from those in your course will help lead to success in the program.