Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1386671
third attempt! Since being in the military, I have failed to be selected for a promotion three times, and failed selection twice for military officer programs. Then, in 2009 when I began my program at NCU, I almost was dismissed from the program because of unintentional plagiarism; yet, I had an NCU professor who cared! He disciplined me to reconciliation. I learned and moved on — never to pass that way again. My most memorable NCU degree journey turbulence occurred six years into my doctoral studies. I failed the doctoral comprehensive program twice and received a letter of dismissal from NCU. I will never forget what I felt: ashamed, heartbroken, defeated. I was down, but certainly not out. Why? Although I acknowledged my feelings, I strived never to allow them to drive my behavior. After a few months of grieving, and of spiritual and mental internal deliberation, I crafted a letter to the NCU Department Head for the School of Psychology, requesting a waiver to re-take the comprehensive exam in light of my unique circumstances. About a month after I sent the letter, I received a communication from the Department, granting me one final chance to pass the doctoral comprehensive exam. I prayed, prepared, prayed some more, and prepared even harder for the exam. I passed! Why is this story relevant? Because it leads me to the first of three personal and professional development tips I want to share: 1. Fail Forward. "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without it..." –Seneca • Re-frame failure: failure is good, so embrace it: it keeps us humble! Tell others about your failures. Watch what happens! • Failure is a necessary ingredient of success in life. Failure is not a person, but an event. Failure is never final. Never fail or fall and stay down. While you are mentally on the ground, allow the friction to stimulate your planning for your exit strategy. 2. Value Connectedness. "People are longing to rediscover true community. We have had enough of loneliness, independence and competition…" –Jean Vanier • As our bodies have many members, i.e., arms, eyes, etc., it comprises one body. In other words, alone, each body part cannot survive. The same is true when on your educational journey. • We need to connect and stay connected to communities, such as those who have walked the path we are walking, family, friends, and other professionals in different disciplines. The mental, spiritual, and psychological benefits of connectedness are priceless. 3. Laugh Often, Smile Always. "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane…" –Robert Frost • Laughter truly is medicine for the soul. From time to time, step away from your studies and take in a good comedy movie or show. The emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits of laughter are positive, so laugh often and smile always! • Laugh at yourself. Laugh on purpose. I have a confession. Every night before I go to bed, I try to find something to laugh at. I am normally successful — ask my bride of 34 years: SMILE. I figure when I go to bed laughing, I will probably wake up doing the same thing. And guess what? I normally do! • Life is tough! Your educational journey is hard, so add a little laughter. It works miracles! 8 NCUPA Summer Bulletin