Discussion Discussion

Please answer the question and respond to 3 peers separately in 4 sentences.(respond does not have to be long)

Question: What motivates you?  Motivation is a tricky concept as we aren’t always aware of what situations, people, opportunities, words etc. motivate us to think and act in the ways that we do.  Even when we are talking about simple motivations like the desire to eat, it isn’t always as straightforward as we think (as this weeks readings demonstrates). So the question I just asked you should have been worded, “what do you think motivates you?”.  And is it different in different situations?  Our motivations are rarely the result of a single factor.  So I am asking you quite the loaded question.  Just to be fair, I will start with a perfect topic.

When my parents divorced my mother took a job working as a secretary.  My father never missed a child-support payment but she needed to work none-the-less.  After two years she decided she wanted to have a job that was stimulating and meaningful to her.  Her undergraduate degree was in music, and she always wanted to teach it.  So she packed up her four kids and moved to a different state so she could get her masters degree in music/choral education, passing up a marriage proposal from a very nice “younger man” in the process.  (My mom was quite the catch.)  Watching her start up a new life, and one that was of her choosing, having a job that wasn’t just a paycheck, and making it work under difficult circumstances showed me the importance not just of education but finding a vocation that is an integral part of who you are.  I always had that in my head, and have made all my career choices based on what would stimulate me, keep me interested, and where I felt like I could make a difference.  

Peer1: I’d say my mom is my motivation to get my bachelor’s degree. My mom didn’t get to finish high school and she ran away from New York to have me grow up in Virginia, away from all the craziness of her upbringing. Unfortunately, the only jobs she could land were janitorial and cafeteria work, and that is what she did for us as a single mother. From as early as I can remember, my mom has pushed me to get straight As, be the best, and be the most educated person. At home, she would give me homework in the form of Dollar Tree workbooks that were always 2 grades above my current grade to complete every week. Not to mention her advocating I take every advanced class possible and signing me up for dual enrollment in 8th grade. These all set me up for success and it wasn’t even until the summer of 2023, when I was feeling gloomy about school and like a failure, I realized how far I’ve gotten because of my mom. This has motivated me to finish out strong and be proud. I am extremely lucky for my mom to support me the way she has. Her sacrifice and all those years of telling me to take school seriously were always from a place of love. All she wanted was for me to end up better than her, and knowing I can do that for her (and myself) is what motivates me in school.

Plus, I love academic validation because that’s a great motivator as well.

Peer2: My mom and my kids motivate me. My mom didn’t go to college but when I was in high school, she attended a nursing program that she graduated from and got her LPN license. All while working, taking care of 3 kids by herself and dealing with life in general. That motivated me as a growing woman and now a mother, seeing her fight for what she wanted and provide a better life for me and my siblings. I am now a single mother of 2 children working full time at a hospital, and a full-time online student. My motivation is continuing with my career and graduating from school and providing a better life for myself and my children. Right now, I am just working for a paycheck and to pay the bills, but I am trying to work towards being able to work for the life that I want and that my kids deserve.

Peer3: From the early days of our primary school journey, my sister has been a beacon of inspiration for me. Her academic prowess, consistently achieving straight A’s, seemed like an unattainable summit, especially as I grappled with learning difficulties. Yet, instead of succumbing to the challenges, her success became the catalyst for my determination and a testament to the power of hard work.

My sister’s academic achievements are not just a testament to her intellect but also a reflection of her unwavering work ethic and dedication. Witnessing her commitment to her studies, I realized that success wasn’t solely defined by grades but by the effort invested. Her ability to navigate the academic landscape with grace and resilience inspired me to persevere despite my own learning challenges. In the face of my struggles, my sister became my ally and mentor. She offered invaluable support, patiently explaining concepts, and providing encouragement when frustration threatened to overwhelm me. Her belief in my abilities became a driving force, pushing me to confront difficulties head-on and adopt a growth mindset. I learned that setbacks were not roadblocks but opportunities for growth and improvement. Beyond the academic realm, my sister taught me the importance of self-discipline and time management. Her meticulous approach to studying, coupled with a well-organized schedule, showcased the significance of balance in achieving academic success. I began to emulate her strategies, developing my own routines that accommodated my learning style and needs. As the years passed, I found myself not merely chasing grades, but striving for personal growth and achievement. My sister’s journey became a narrative of resilience, determination, and the triumph of hard work over adversity. Each hurdle I faced was an opportunity to prove to myself that I, too, could overcome obstacles and thrive academically.