we are doing; we also need to know why,” says Dr. Zach Oliver, Executive Director at Hawaii Medical College. “When we are feeling challenged, it’s important to keep a clear mind and focus on the goal.” IDENTIFY YOUR EDUCATIONAL PATH Choose a path that aligns with your goals by assessing your interests, skills and future career prospects. Research and explore your educational options, and consider whether you want to pursue a degree, a certification program, or take individual courses. Many colleges and programs offer classes that are exclusively inperson, online, or a combination of both. It’s equally important to consider which career fields offer the greatest job security if one of your main goals is to earn stable long-term income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical adults wishing to further their education and re-enter the workforce. In preparation to return, implementing these steps may help prevent you from playing catch up later. REFLECT ON YOUR GOALS Defining your reason and motivation for going back to college is the first of many steps in the journey of returning to school. What inspired you to pursue further education? Will it be for a better or new job? Is it for your children’s benefit? Or most importantly, yourself? No matter your reason, a support system, like those offered at schools like Hawaii Medical College, can help fulfill your “why”, equipping you with a strong foundation and helping you to stay motivated throughout your new academic journey. “It’s not enough to just consider what 132 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2025 Deciding to pursue further education as a parent calls for some self-reflection and strategic planning. “It’s not enough to just consider what we are doing; we also need to know why.”
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