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AVIANO AIR FORCE BASE, Italy - Throughout a U.S. Air Force
career, an Airman must learn to balance responsibilities in and out
of uniform. For many, adding schoolwork while serving can be a
daunting prospect.
But one Airman has found a way to not only
find the time, but thrive in an educational environment.
“Once I completed my [career development course] material, I went
straight to school,” said Tech. Sgt. Troy Washington, 31st
Maintenance Squadron electrical/environmental NCO in charge. “I've
been taking a class nonstop since I started in 2003.”
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July 29, 2015 - U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Troy Washington, 31st Maintenance Squadron electrical/environmental noncommissioned officer in charge, balances work and education to reach his goals. With the help of the education center, Washington believes every Airman can reach their educational milestones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Austin Harvill)
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From then to now, he has EARNED his Community College of
the Air Force degree, a bachelor's degree and he is a few
classes short of his masters. Washington balances a wife,
kids, his job on the flight line and education, and he
believes everyone has the ability to do the same.
He
doesn't think his success comes from any extraordinary
passion or abilities, but instead from simple goal setting
and planning. He said continuing education throughout a
career is the key to keeping school as a priority on par
with other responsibilities.
“We should always put
our service before self, but that doesn't mean we have to
lose ourselves while serving,” said Washington. “I started
early in my career to establish education as a fundamental
part of my lifestyle. Even if you are two or 10 years into
your career, integrating school is paramount to a learning
lifestyle.”
Regardless of when or how an Airman fits
in school, Washington said getting to class is half the
battle, because having a long term goal can keep a student
focused on the future.
“Knowing where you want to be
in 15 years and reminding yourself why you started school
will help you through busy months,” said Washington. “Your
end goal should be flexible enough to allow for occasional
interruptions.”
To keep missed semesters at bay,
Washington suggests looking at school strategically.
“With the end goal in mind, I still handle school one
semester at a time, because I know a lot more about the next
six months than the next 10 years,” said Washington. “I talk
with people who have been through my degree program and
prioritize my schoolwork based on my job schedule. If I know
half of the squadron will deploy next semester, I make sure
I take an easier class.”
For those times when the
unexpected happens, especially during deployments,
Washington said it is all about time management and
willpower.
“If you work 12-hour shifts, you need to
knock out a little work here and there,” said Washington.
“Work with your shop and see if there is a time to study.”
Washington said other responsibilities outside of work
could hinder educational goals, but just like at work,
support elements exist. For him, that means his family.
“My family knows education is important to me, so we
work together to find the time I need to study,” said
Washington. “My wife and I communicate so we can share the
duties at home. Sometimes a busy week plus homework demands
long nights, but knowing my family is helping makes a big
difference.”
Regardless of how well-prepared a
student might be, Washington still believes every balancing
act falls on one thing – devotion.
“You have to want
those goals,” said Washington. “There is so much support out
there to get you on the right track, but all of it depends
on willpower. If you can keep turning in homework, remaining
flexible and pushing through those late nights, those goals
will absolutely pay off.”
By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Harvill
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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