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 ability he’s mastered. Between working full-time, caring for household, and pursuing his Master’s in Computer Science diploma from CU Boulder, he’s discovered artistic methods to make studying match into his life. One in all his most unusual examine 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 a substitute of simply counting laps, he listens to audio lectures or has Siri learn his textbook aloud to him. It’s his manner of taking advantage of each second.

“If there’s ever readings from a textbook, I’ll purchase 2 copies. I’ll take certainly one of them, take away the backbone with my miter noticed, and run the entire textbook by 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 interpret the Greek alphabet in addition to a lots of the mathematical symbols. 

“And so I went forward and located a approach to train Siri the Greek alphabet. I taught Siri to talk my textbook to me whereas I swim,” he shared with amusing. “That’s my examine 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 tasks, too. As a caretaker for his spouse, two kids, and in-laws, he notes that emergencies can typically occur unexpectedly. Having the ability to hit pause on college when wanted has been crucial for managing the balancing act of his busy life. 

“There are occasions when the whole lot’s going nice, and I’m shifting actually quick. After which there are different occasions when, for no matter cause, I must decelerate a little bit 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 Utility

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 methods he discovered at school to optimize an algorithm referred to as an auto reconciler, which helps match monetary transactions extra effectively.

“I utilized some dynamic programming methods to speed up one of many algorithms we now have,” he defined. “That was a direct takeaway from my coursework.”

For Marc, that is the largest 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 completely having fun with the curriculum and isn’t in a rush to graduate. In truth, he’s struggling to decide on which specialization to give attention to 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 lessons by the opposite varied specializations.”

His pursuits are broad, starting from quantum computing to robotics to synthetic intelligence ethics. The fast developments in AI excite him, and he sees a rising want for professionals who perceive each the know-how and its moral implications.

“The marketplace for AI is just rising, and that’s a ability 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. In contrast to conventional assessments the place a flawed reply is only a mark towards your grade, this program turns errors into educating 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 bought a terrific humorousness and can typically embrace jokes within the suggestions with the flawed solutions. I actually respect that—it makes it numerous enjoyable.”

Trying Forward

Regardless of juggling a lot, Marc is prospering. 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 really speaks to what’s attainable with on-line schooling. The power to check on his personal phrases, apply new expertise instantly, and study in unconventional methods proves that increased schooling doesn’t should be inflexible—it will possibly adapt to suit your life.