B183 Introduction Week Assignment

This week's assignments have been a bit of a review. I didn't find them a waste of time, however, since the content of the required reading and videos is very valuable and always good to review. I started back into school two semesters ago after 18 years of raising my family. Each semester I'm asked to read articles by President Bednar, President Clark, and President Hinkley. Each article or video covers the mission and purpose of BYU-I and our responsibility as students of this school. Each time I read these it refreshes my testimony and appreciation for this school and its divine purpose. I'm so grateful to be able to be a part of it.

I read the article on Entrepreneur Journals. I can see the value in keeping a journal and I hope to figure out how to organize it the way the author suggested. Since this blog thing is new to me I'm sure it will take some time to figure out how to get it just the way I want it. I'll just ask my eight year old how it's done:)  I think she was born knowing more about computers than I was.

I feel quite inadequate in this class. I wanted to finish my degree in business and the only emphasis available online that appealed to me was Entrepreneurial. It's not necessarily what I would have chosen, but I was actually quite excited to learn more about the subject. It fascinates me how some people are so capable of creating and growing successful businesses. I, on the other hand, don't have a clue how it's done. I've been blessed with many great talents that I believe could be marketed, but I have no idea how. People are always telling me how I could make so much money off the things I create, but I seriously have no clue how to make that a reality. I hate that I'm so clueless on the subject. But I guess ground zero is always a good place to start, right?

Entrepreneurial Journal - Week 1

This week has been quite inspiring. We read Randy Pauch’s last lecture. It was literally his last. He died shortly afterward from cancer. The amazing part of the lecture was the attitude of Randy even though he knew he was dying. He was so happy! He has a very positive outlook on life, on people, and on his ability to help others. He has no regrets about his life and has accomplished every one of this childhood dreams. A great deal of his life has been spent in helping others make and accomplish their dreams. He is a great example of how we can bless the lives of others through the gifts and talents we ourselves have been blessed with.

We also read an article by Jeff Thompson, “What Is Your Calling in Life?” He taught us to search out our spiritual gifts and talents. As we find and develop those with faith in our Heavenly Father, He will lead us to an occupation that will work well for us. Each of us have been blessed with different gifts and talents for the sole purpose of being able to help one another. That’s the joy of having strengths different from those around us. It gives us each an opportunity to help and be helped where we are strong and where we are weak.

The article “The Making of an Entrepreneur” by Randy Haykin was a great example of how everything we learn – no matter how mundane the job or class may be, benefits us in increasing in knowledge and experience for the benefit of our future careers. He switched jobs many times between many different companies. Each one adding something to his portfolio of knowledge and experience. I believe his success was also tied to his attitude. The more I read about successful people the more I realize they all have a positive and, often times, driven outlook on life. It’s a good lesson for all of us.

I still feel very inadequate in this class. I love reading about these incredible entrepreneurs and the examples their lives have been for us to learn from. But part of me still feels like I’m so far away from understanding the concepts required to succeed. I’m looking forward to gaining that understanding.