Education as Life Pivot Points

Education has served as a pivoting point for me.

My beginning took place on a family farm. It was a collaborative venture between my parents and, eventually, the kids. We worked hard, and we experienced growth and droughts through various seasons. The one thing our parents made absolute is that each of us was to go on to college. Whether it was a two-year or four-year program, it didn't matter. Continued learning was a must. Three of us graduated from four-year programs, and one graduated from a two-year trade school program.

"We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the highest order, a kind of artist." ~ Wendell Berry

First Pivot: Farming to Politics

My first pivot point was attending Augustana University (SD) to pursue a Government & International Affairs degree. I was active in politics on campus and also served in different internships to learn firsthand what government was all about. After graduating, my degree led to being a part of a political campaign and eventually working in Washington, DC, for about eight years.

Second Pivot: Politics to Business

Politics and government were not where I wanted to remain for the rest of my career. My most clear transition plan was to return to school and obtain an MBA. I was accepted into the Texas McCombs School of Business , allowing me to explore entrepreneurship and marketing. Again, I used internships to learn firsthand and apply my newly discovered skills.

After graduation, I began my career in the tech industry. My nearly 25-year career included working for entrepreneurial and enterprise companies. I served and mainly led in marketing and business development roles, which were stimulating and demanding at various times. Experiencing many different economic cycles – up and down – created sleepless nights and energizing days. I am grateful for my opportunities and the people I worked with.

“The future of business is not really just being able to make a living for people, and make more money, and go public, and all those kinds of things. But it’s actually the possibility to make a difference in the world.” ~ Eileen Fisher

Third Pivot: Business to Education

Toward the end of this career run, I knew I wanted to have a different impact and do more. Teaching was on my mind. Having a terminal degree would help in making this third pivot. However, thoughts seeped in that I was too old to do this. I finally got over myself and was accepted into Creighton University's EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership program. While I was one of the older students, I wasn't the oldest! Learning has no age limit.

I graduated last weekend with my EdD (Doctor of Education) degree. I have had the honor of teaching leadership classes at UNM Anderson School of Management , and I am ready to see where the next opportunity takes me. After spending time researching social impact in a for-profit model, I understand the importance of moral courage in this realm and within leadership practices, and I want to apply my past experiences with my current ones to lead for positive impact.

The Enabling Power of Education

The simple imperative from my parents directed me to understand the value of education, especially as it can support seasonal changes in life and careers. Some think four-year degrees are obsolete, universities are behind the times, and the costs are unmanageable. While there is truth in each, I have learned much from my educational experiences, expanding my thinking and capabilities through each educational stop.

Education can be a positive difference-maker for individuals and our society. Like farmers, educators plant seeds with faith and hope of a productive crop of new leaders who will make a difference in where they work and live.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Within this thought, it comes full circle for me. My farming parents planted the educational seed in me. What I did with it was my responsibility. An obligation to apply what I learned was evident in each university experience. It is a good model – learn, use, adapt, repeat.

Finally, just as farming has seasons, so can education. Whether pursuing advanced degrees or digital certificate programs, learning keeps us fresh. Most importantly, it enlivens us to be better stewards of our calling through the different seasons of our lives.