Important Choice

My decision that I made recently that has important consequences for me is continuing to be successful in college. My end goal is to obtain a 4 year degree in human services.  This is my junior year and as my educational level progresses, so does the intensity, and complexity of the material.  Therefore it became evident to me that if I wanted to reach my goal and be successful I had to be more intense in my dedication to the course work required.  

What was your decision-making process?

The decision making process that I used was: 1^st I recognized that I needed to look at my educational process and decide how I was going to proceed 2^nd I interpreted that to be able to obtain a degree the college had certain expectations 3^rd I made a judgment that I felt was the best choice for me. I weighed my options of staying in school successful or leaving school and attempting to get a job with the amount of education I have already.  4^th I had personal motivation to be successful hoping that this would secure a better future for me in the working world. I made my final decision when I attended class the first week. I realized that my classes were going to be challenging and in order to pass I would had to study harder and longer. 

Did you identify criteria and list alternatives?

After I decided that I wanted to stay in college it was pass or fail, high grades or low grades. I made a choice of being motivated to obtain the best grades that I can.

Was the information available to you complete?  

I was very well informed by the college what the expectation were to be able to obtain the degree that I desired. After attending the first week of class each professor provided the grading/requirements for their specific class. 

How did you finally reach the decision?

I started immediately working to be successful for this semester. I go to the library on a regular schedule and actively work at the course requirements while I am there. At this point in time my grades indicate that the course that I have chosen is working. 

Was it a conscious process or based on intuition?

I made a conscious decision to be fully engaged in my educational process.  I have to stay focused every day to overcome distractions and obstacles.  Living on campus can be a positive and a negative.  I am constantly surrounded with all kinds of class mates, friends and activities that could derail my end goal. 

At the end of the day, do you think you made a reasonable decision?

My feedback has been to continue to do what I am doing.  My grades have been reflecting a level that I desire and every day I strive to improve. I plan to continue on the course of action I have chosen.  

What if anything, might you do to improve your ability to make good decisions in the future?

I plan to continue to use the decision making process throughout my life. Many times when there are many options available to make a decision I will use a pro and con list approach. Making the lists helps make it much clearer for me to make a decision.