Taking Online Courses for Personal Development: Yes or No?

Since I graduated in college in 2004, I always dreamed of having my master’s degree, but I lack the enthusiasm and financial confidence—maybe because I prefer travelling than committing my time to attending classes and doing my thesis—to realize this dream.

Nevertheless, I am not closing my doors to any educational opportunities as I believe it is essential for my personal development. In fact, I tried searching the internet for online courses and think of enrolling for some online degree programs in communication to strengthen my writing skills.

I remember one time, someone asked me, “I thought you are already a writer. So why attend an English proficiency seminar, if you already have the skill?” I answered, with full conviction, “Being a writer is a continuous process. Knowing how to use the English language is not enough. We still have to learn more, and be informed and able to adapt to the developments and changes in the rules of the English grammar.” My justification left her empty-handed.

That is why I still have the urge to continue my post-graduate education. Attending school in the United States has always been my Filipino dream. But since it is impossible at the moment, I think these websites would help:

• http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
• http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ 
• http://studentaid2.ed.gov/gotocollege/collegefinder/advanced_find.asp