Many grownup learners juggle full-time work, household, and private commitments whereas incomes their levels. For seasoned civil engineer, Marc Seter, this balancing act isn’t only a problem—it’s a talent he’s mastered. Between working full-time, caring for household, and pursuing his Grasp’s in Laptop Science diploma from CU Boulder, he’s discovered inventive methods to make studying match into his life. Considered one of his most unusual research methods? Incorporating coursework into his each day swim routine.
As somebody who usually works 60 hours every week, enjoys a spread of hobbies, and is lively in a plethora of familial commitments, Marc celebrates the flexibleness of this program. His journey isn’t nearly incomes a level; it’s about staying curious, constantly rising, and proving that with the correct mindset, studying by no means has to cease.
Diving into his research
Every day, Marc spends 90 minutes within the pool, however as an alternative of simply counting laps, he listens to audio lectures or has Siri learn his textbook aloud to him. It’s his method of profiting from each second.
“If there’s ever readings from a textbook, I’ll purchase 2 copies. I’ll take considered one of them, take away the backbone with my miter noticed, and run the entire textbook by means of my scanner and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) it. Then flip that into textual content that Siri can learn to me whereas I’m within the swimming pool.”
Furthermore, as soon as Marc realized that not the entire readings in his textbook are simply understood by Siri, he took it a step additional and taught her tips on how to interpret the Greek alphabet in addition to a lots of the mathematical symbols.
“And so I went forward and located a solution to educate Siri the Greek alphabet. I taught Siri to talk my textbook to me whereas I swim,” he shared with amusing. “That’s my research time. And I really feel like I’m rocking and rolling on my curriculum now.”
For Marc, studying doesn’t occur in isolation—it’s woven into his routine, and his core values, proving that with the correct strategy, even the busiest schedules can accommodate continued schooling.
Why Flexibility Issues
Marc’s schedule is packed—not simply along with his profession and different hobbies, however with household duties, too. As a caretaker for his spouse, two kids, and in-laws, he notes that emergencies can typically occur unexpectedly. With the ability to hit pause on faculty when wanted has been important for managing the balancing act of his busy life.
“There are occasions when the whole lot’s going nice, and I’m transferring actually quick. After which there are different occasions when, for no matter motive, I have to decelerate somewhat bit. That for me is simply completely big,” he defined.
This system’s flexibility permits him to regulate his tempo relying on what life throws at him, whether or not which means working forward when issues are calm or stepping again when his household wants him.
From Studying to Software
For Marc, studying doesn’t occur only for the sake of studying—he applies what he picks up instantly. At work, he’s used dynamic programming strategies he realized at school to optimize an algorithm referred to as an auto reconciler, which helps match monetary transactions extra effectively.
“I utilized some dynamic programming strategies to speed up one of many algorithms we have now,” he defined. “That was a direct takeaway from my coursework.”
For Marc, that is the most important win—not simply incomes a level, however gaining expertise that make an actual distinction in his job.
Loving the Studying Course of
Marc has been totally having fun with the curriculum and isn’t in a rush to graduate. In truth, he’s struggling to decide on which specialization to deal with as a result of he finds worth and takes an curiosity in each.
“I need to take all of them,” he admitted. “I’m occupied with the wilder strategy—taking each credit score besides one to graduate, simply so I can slot in all of the specializations. However, virtually talking, I really feel like I can end this system, get the Grasp’s diploma, and proceed to take courses by means of the opposite numerous specializations.”
His pursuits are broad, starting from quantum computing to robotics to synthetic intelligence ethics. The speedy developments in AI excite him, and he sees a rising want for professionals who perceive each the expertise and its moral implications.
“The marketplace for AI is just rising, and that’s a talent set that’s going to be in excessive demand,” he mentioned.
The Worth of Errors (and a Good Joke)
Marc additionally appreciates how this system permits him to make errors and study from them. Not like conventional assessments the place a flawed reply is only a mark in opposition to your grade, this program turns errors into instructing moments.
“One of many issues that I actually love is the quizzes and the assignments. I really feel like I study extra once I make a mistake than once I simply get it proper the primary time,” he mentioned. “I’ve even been tempted to undergo a few of these and reply with the entire flawed solutions as a result of the suggestions that the professor gives is extraordinarily helpful”
What makes the method even higher? His professor’s humorousness.
“The professor’s received a fantastic humorousness and can typically embody jokes within the suggestions with the flawed solutions. I actually admire that—it makes it numerous enjoyable.”
Trying Forward
Regardless of juggling a lot, Marc is flourishing. His skill to mix schooling into his on a regular basis life—whether or not within the pool, at work, or in moments of downtime—retains him on monitor with out feeling overwhelmed.
His story actually speaks to what’s attainable with on-line schooling. The flexibility to check on his personal phrases, apply new expertise instantly, and study in unconventional methods proves that greater schooling doesn’t must be inflexible—it may possibly adapt to suit your life.
