Numerous adult students balance full-time employment, family obligations, and personal pursuits while obtaining their qualifications. For experienced civil engineer, Marc Seter, this act of equilibrium is not merely a difficulty—it’s a competency he has perfected. While managing a full-time job, tending to family responsibilities, and advancing his Master’s in Computer Science degree at CU Boulder, he constantly innovates methods to integrate education into his daily routine. A particularly distinctive studying technique he employs? Merging academic work with his regular swimming sessions.

As an individual who routinely puts in 60 hours a week, enjoys various hobbies, and is engaged in numerous family commitments, Marc appreciates the adaptability of this program. His path isn’t solely focused on obtaining a credential; it centers around maintaining curiosity, fostering continual development, and demonstrating that with the right attitude, education can persist indefinitely.

Immersing in his studies

Daily, Marc dedicates 90 minutes to the pool, but rather than merely counting laps, he absorbs audio lectures or has Siri vocalize his textbooks. It’s his strategy for maximizing every single instant.

“Whenever I have readings from a textbook, I’ll purchase 2 copies. I’ll take one, detach the spine with my miter saw, and scan the entire textbook through my scanner, using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Then, I convert it into text for Siri to read aloud to me while I’m in the pool,” he explained.

Furthermore, upon realizing that certain passages in his textbooks were not easily comprehended by Siri, he went the extra mile by training her to understand the Greek alphabet along with various mathematical symbols.

“So, I figured out a way to educate Siri on the Greek alphabet. I taught Siri to read my textbook to me as I swim,” he chuckled. “That’s my designated study time. And I feel like I’m making substantial progress in my coursework now.”

For Marc, education is not a solitary endeavor—it is interwoven into his daily life and fundamental values, demonstrating that with the appropriate methodology, even the most hectic schedules can host ongoing learning.

The Importance of Flexibility

Marc’s timetable is dense—not only with his profession and numerous interests, but also with family duties. Serving as the primary caregiver for his wife, two children, and in-laws, he acknowledges that emergencies arise unexpectedly. The capacity to temporarily pause his studies when necessary has been vital in managing the complexities of his active life.

“There are instances when everything is functioning well, and I’m progressing swiftly. But there are other times when I might need to ease my pace for various reasons. That, for me, is incredibly significant,” he elaborated.

The program’s flexibility enables him to modify his speed based on life’s requirements, whether that means advancing during calmer periods or stepping back when his family requires his attention.

Transitioning from Learning to Implementation

For Marc, education is not pursued merely for its own sake—he promptly applies what he learns. In his workplace, he has utilized dynamic programming techniques acquired from coursework to enhance an algorithm known as an auto reconciler, which facilitates the more efficient matching of financial transactions.

“I utilized dynamic programming strategies to expedite one of our algorithms,” he shared. “That was a direct application of my coursework.”

For Marc, this represents the greatest achievement—not just obtaining a degree, but acquiring abilities that bring about significant changes at work.

Embracing the Learning Journey

Marc has been thoroughly relishing the program and does not feel rushed to graduate. In fact, he finds it challenging to select a specific specialization to concentrate on, as he values and is intrigued by each option available.

“I wish to enroll in them all,” he confessed. “I’m contemplating the bold route—taking nearly every credit but one in order to incorporate all specializations. However, realistically, I anticipate completing the program, securing my Master’s degree, and continuing to enroll in courses across various specializations.”

His interests span a wide range, from quantum computing to robotics and the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence. The swift advancements in AI invigorate him, and he recognizes a growing necessity for professionals who grasp both the technology and its ethical considerations.

“The demand for AI expertise is on an upward trajectory, and that represents a skill set that will be highly sought after,” he remarked.

The Significance of Errors (and Humor)

Marc also values how the program permits him to make errors and learn from them. Unlike traditional evaluations where a mistake merely detracts from your score, this program transforms mistakes into educational opportunities.

“One aspect I truly appreciate is the quizzes and assignments. I find I gain more understanding from mistakes than from getting the right answers immediately,” he noted. “I’ve even been tempted to go through some of those and submit all incorrect answers because the feedback from the professor is immensely valuable.”

What enhances the experience even further? His professor’s comedic touch.

“The professor has a wonderful sense of humor and frequently includes jokes in the feedback on incorrect answers. I genuinely appreciate that—it adds a delightful element to the learning process.”

Looking Forward

Despite managing many responsibilities, Marc is flourishing. His ability to incorporate education into everyday activities—whether in the pool, at the workplace, or during moments of leisure—keeps him focused without feeling swamped.

His narrative genuinely illustrates what online education can achieve. The opportunity to study on his own schedule, implement new knowledge instantly, and explore unorthodox methods of learning underscores the idea that higher education doesn’t need to be rigid; it can evolve to suit your lifestyle.

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