TGIF Video Friday: It's Shark Week! Take Notes, Online Students
I woke up Monday morning and began my day the same way I have for the past five or six years. Start a pot of coffee? Not so much. What did I do? Of course, I checked out my Facebook news feed (I am a social media manager, after all!).
I grew confused when I noticed one topic was dominating the chatter. Why was everyone posting Facebook updates about sharks? Twitter was the same way; "sharks" was a trending topic.
I should have known better: This week is Shark Week.
If you're active on social media, it's impossible to avoid the hype surrounding the Discovery Channel's week-long series of television programs dedicated to sharks. This year is the 25th anniversary of the series.
As a tribute to the creepy creatures, our TGIF Video of the Week highlights fascinating Shark Week footage of "When Fish Attack" from a few years ago. If you're like I was, previously unfamiliar with what the Shark Week fuss was all about, this is a good introduction. If you're already a Shark Week fanatic, enjoy being re-acclimated with your favorite scary species:
Surely, I'm not the only one who thought that dude was completely out of his mind. To his credit, he kept his composure in the water after spotting the shark, something I'm not sure I would be able to do. I probably would have flipped out, sending the shark into a feeding frenzy.
Sharks are interesting creatures. Meticulously gliding along their way with the ability to cause massive destruction at any moment, the way they carry themselves naturally strikes fear into just about anyone who comes across the sizeable fish. It wouldn't surprise me if sharks were proficient mathematicians. It's as if they calculate a distinct formula for consuming their meals. Survey the field. Target and approach suspect. Eliminate said suspect(s).
Some sharks don't ever stop moving forward, not even to rest. Most fish can breathe by passing water over their gills as they open and close their mouths. Not the case with cartilaginous fish (sharks), which must remain in motion to pass water over their gills. If the sharks stop moving, something is wrong.
I can't help but compare sharks to successful online students pursuing a college degree.
Just like persistent sharks, busy online students balancing numerous priorities know a lot about constantly moving forward. School, a full-time job, caring for a family and/or a military commitment doesn't stand in the way of many online students excelling in their academic and professional endeavors. These students frequently display their time-management prowess, proving that the pursuit of a degree is possible with a full plate of priorities.
Online students display the same type of persistence in their studies that sharks display in the water. In order to have the best chance at that promotion, raise or new job, online students persevere in their studies with little or no breaks. If they stop moving forward with their degree program, something could also go wrong.
It resonated with me last weekend how much persistence and dedication can pay off as Grantham University graduates received their diplomas at a memorable Commencement Ceremony in Kansas City.
Just like sharks, always strive to move forward. Eye the end goal. Graduate. You'll come to find it will be well worth it in the end.
Photo credit: stock.xchng
About the author: Eric Sorrentino joined Grantham University as Social Media Manager in October 2011. Prior to that, he blogged about Big 12 Conference athletics for KUsports.com and was a sports copy editor for the Lawrence Journal-World. Eric received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.