ABOUT ME
Most people find it difficult to define who they are or answer such question as “Tell me about yourself.” I am not an exception as I sit here and contemplate how to tell others about me…my personal life…the biography of Julius Uwansc, a.k.a. Mr. J.
As a current student of University of Maryland University College (UMUC), I am pursuing a master’s degree (MDE) in Distance Education and Policy Management. In 2012, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Technology with a minor in Homeland Security. In my continued effort to move higher, I decided to shift my career to education, thus in 2014 I graduated with a Master’s degree (MEd) in Education with a major in Instructional Technology. Education is a never-ending career to me because in 2010 I was able to earn an Associate degree in Network Technology from the Community College of Baltimore County here in Maryland. That was the stepping stone that led me to further educational goals. I also have a CompTIA A+ certification (2010) from The IT Industry Trade Association (CompTIA), a worldwide IT certification body in the technology industry.
In my student and professional life I’ve worked as a team member as well as an individual whose aim was to achieve excellence in assigned tasks. As an undergraduate and graduate student, I had the privilege to head student groups/teams as assigned by the instructor or chosen by the team. This is a difficult task for online/distance learning environment because correspondence and communication are done via email, group forum, chat or discussion forum that most team members don’t participate or fail to participate…there’s always frustration heading this group or team. However, with such task I was able to guide the group in spite of the obstacle abound as a learning group.
Also, in my career over the years, I’ve not been enthusiastic jumping from one job to another. In the last 12 years, I have worked in a law firm first as a proofreader and later as a computer help desk specialist. Attention to detail was a key to my job requirement, and as a result I was instrumental in setting up the new computer work station for the firm. I was also part of the team that provided staff professional development workshop for the new system. As a skilled graphics designer, I have a taste for design and visuals. Both have played very important role in all my multimedia presentations for instructional and training sessions.
Reflecting on my personal effort and contribute to the society, I did not plan to live in this community but I find myself living in a community of retirees, mostly couples and singles who in some cases live with their children or grandchildren of K-12 age bracket. In 2013, I set up computer instruction and repair workshop for seniors in my neighborhood free of charge. Since most of them are not computer savvy, it was my job to help them when the need arises; most have benefited from my assistance and tutorship. I have also submitted a request to the local library to work as a volunteer in teaching patrons (library users) basic computer and Internet safety.
This biography will not be complete without a peep into my personal life. I was religious several years ago but I have developed what I call “being spiritual” than religious. This is because religion tends to be a divisive issue that divides individuals, families, nations, regions and continents. I believe that the ultimate aim of religion is spirituality; therefore, it is my wish to be spiritual and it has served me most. Politics is another game that I don’t like to play as a person whose belief is centered on “winner(s) do(es) not have to take it all.” I am a registered voter but at the same time apolitical. The Internet has made social interactions ‘a bed-room’ phenomena. By this, I mean that it has come so close that we sleep with it, dance with it, work with it and live with it. According to Pewinternet.org1, in January 2014 social networking account for about 74% of online adults users. In spite of this, I am not socially attached to it as I am attached to the physical, social human relations that are reminiscent of a traditional society. I am a bit reserved when it requires the provision of personal information to the public. In a nutshell, I practice social networking with a reservation.
“Traveling is a part of education” so they said. I have traversed three continents…Africa, Europe and North America in the course of my life. I have travelled to these countries–Germany, UK, France and South Africa, Egypt and The Netherlands, among others. In fact, these travels do give me joy and fulfillment because it is important to note that this earth is made up of different people with different cultures and lifestyles. For my hobby, travelling is part of it, sporting events like soccer, tennis and track events are my favorites. I like different kinds of music but I’m attracted to playing instruments like piano, guitar, drums and flutes. Gardening, painting, construction and fixing stuffs are my pastime. I am always busy–all the time doing one thing or the other.
Finally, while pursuing the master’s degree in Distance Education, my whole aspiration is to be a distance or online educator and policy management specialist whose academic interest ranges from K-12 to tertiary level education. It is my aspiration to complete this program and make my services available to my employer while at the same time conducting further research in the field of distance education and policy management.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information can be accessed through the following link:
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