Capstone E-Portfolio MDDE 694

I can't believe that I am now wrapping up my Master in Education.  It seems like it was only yesterday that I was contemplating a move into administration at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.  I had been teaching there for 9 years following graduation on a part-time basis, and now was eager to dive into a full-time role.

In preparation for a move into administration I began looking at various options to obtain a Master in Education.  I had a positive experience with Athabasca, taking an elective course (MAIS 615) as part of my MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences through McMaster.  I liked the flexibility and customization that online learning provided, and Athabasca had a great track record and reputation for delivering online education.  I planned out the next 3 years of my life, and dove back into online education.

My motivation to obtain my Masters was not purely to achieve the goal of moving into an administrator role.  I realized that between teaching and treating patients at my clinic, the best part of my week and the role I raved about when asked was that of my teaching at CMCC.  I hoped that much like my first Masters, I would gain insightful knowledge which I could apply immediately into my day-to-day life.  The relationships I would develop would be valuable beyond measure.

I hope you enjoy reading my Capstone E-Portolio about my journey, and I welcome any feedback you may provide below.

Scott

My Masters Journey began in the Spring of 2015 began with a failure.  After sourcing out options, I had decided on Athabasca but I missed the deadline for application by 7 days!  I sent all my stuff off anyways, and enrolled the first year as a non-degree student, taking courses which would eventually satisfy the requirements of the program.

Through the 3 1/3 years it took to get through the program, many events have transpired in my life.  I sold my chiropractic practice, moving full-time into administration at CMCC.  We moved from Downtown Toronto to a more residential neighbourhood.  And most importantly, we welcomed our second daughter to the world!  Which somehow has resulted in more than double the work, but about a thousand times the amount of joy.

I took one course per term, aside from the term my daughter was born where I took a term off.  I took two courses in Winter 2018 to power through to the end, which was probably a bit too much, but I got through it unscathed. 

Now that I'm nearing the end, it has given me an opportunity to reflect back not only on my learning, but on the entire process as a whole.  I am proud to say that I have achieved my goals, and through this process have developed as both an educator and as a leader.  It also gives me a chance to look forward as to what my next challenge may be.  Having been in formal education a long time (a Bachelor of Science, a Doctor of Chiropractic, and now two Master degrees) the plan is to take a hiatus from formal education.  Not too surprisingly, the courses I enjoyed the most while at AU centered around leadership, so the plan is to look into leadership academies to further develop in my managerial role, and to also seek out a mentor.

I would like to acknowledge the amazing people who helped me along the way.  My co-workers at CMCC have been incredibly supportive of my efforts, as have the faculty and staff at Athabasca University.  But without a doubt I would not have been successful in this journey if it hadn't been for the unwavering support of my loving family.  They say it takes a village, and this Masters degree is as much yours as it is mine.  From the bottom of my heart - thank you.

As much as this journey is coming to a conclusion, I know that more educational adventures are yet to come...

Scott