Bruce Flory
2008 BGSU Graduate
Bruce Flory returned to Bowling Green State University in 2002 to finish a degree he originally started in 1980. He attended classes part-time for six years, graduating in December 2008. Here, Bruce talks about his motivation, the lessons he learned and what advice he has for other adults who are thinking about returning to college.
What was the motivating factor behind your return to college?
I wanted to maintain a position with my current employer as the Director of Operations of a children's residential center for severely behaviorally and emotionally challenged youth. I wanted to be a part of something unique that would be on the cutting edge of treatment. I also wanted to conquer the insecurity I had about returning to school and quiet the nagging voice in the back of my mind that told me I needed to have a degree.
What were some of the greatest lessons you learned?
My experience reinforced my belief that true success comes in small steps and with diligent effort. I learned that I couldn't do it alone and that asking for help from family, friends and fellow students was not a weakness, but a strength. Accepting this helped me develop more confidence in delegating tasks at work and in turn allowed others to be empowered. I found that the only limits to my potential were the ones I imposed upon myself. I saw a clearer path to further happiness and a sense of accomplishment by recognizing and overcoming the fears and insecurities I had about myself.
What advice do you have for other nontraditional and adult students?
My advice is to look at yourself in the mirror, make a commitment, and stop using excuses for not pulling the best out of yourself. It will stretch you in ways you never thought possible and open up your eyes to the person you thought you could never be. You will not only be happier, but so will everyone else around you. Be willing to share what is going on in your life so your advisor knows what you can handle and when. Adult Learner Services earned my complete confidence and trust. The staff went above and beyond the call of duty many times during periods of my life where I thought I couldn't do it all.
When I started I had very little computer experience and had to teach myself how to type faster than the two-finger, hunt-and-peck method that I had mastered up until that point. At first I could only read about five pages before I would begin to fall asleep. I had to read over some things several times and everything at least twice before it finally sank in. But over time things became easier and I realized I could excel and thrived on this challenge. It soon became my personal challenge to graduate with honors, which I did. I have not mentioned this to be boastful, but to encourage those who are on the fence about going back to school. Beyond the long term monetary rewards of obtaining a degree, I have a renewed sense of self-confidence and self-awareness that you can't put a dollar sign on.
During this journey I had many valid reasons that most would understand for not finishing. Looking back now, I can see how pushing through each challenge made me strong enough for the next. I tried to stay focused on small, daily habits and a determination that quitting would never be an option. For me it was more than the pursuit of a degree and more about broader, personally relevant goals. Some would say that six years is a long time, but I would contend it is but a drop in the bucket compared to a lifetime of regret.
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