Experience

LAUers in More Ways than One

Joanna Tannous ’22

When I think of LAU, I cannot but feel entitled to privileges that would not be available otherwise. My journey with LAU dates back to 2011 when I first entered as an undergraduate student. It then extended even more when I came back in 2015 as a part-time staff. Today, I am a full-time staff member and a two-time graduate of this institution where I had juggled work with attaining an MBA.

If I were to describe my experience, one specific idiom always comes to mind: “When there is a will, there is a way.” It is true that switching from office to classroom was not easy, but it was definitely worth it. It made me realize how much I have truly learned throughout my career and how much I still need to acquire to reach my future goals. Whatever I did in class was complementing my job, and vice-versa. I got to learn theories which I had been subconsciously applying in my daily workflow.

At times, I felt I was too old for the class, and at others, I felt I was too young. Between office hours that sometimes extend beyond our regular schedule, and catching up on classes where attendance is mandatory, I was really pushing myself through limits I never knew existed. All of this would not have been possible if I had not prioritized my commitments, sacrificed my social life, reverted to strict time management, and focused on finding ways to work smarter, not harder. Self-discipline was a must, but I truly believe that what really kept me going was the purpose — why I was doing it all in the first place.

Pre-COVID, classes were on campus. I value the interaction you get when you are there, sitting in your chair, sharing your spontaneous ideas, gazing at your instructor and sometimes, trying not to fall asleep when you are too tired! It really makes you feel alive when you invest in yourself like that. However, switching to online classes was surprisingly as joyous and sometimes, even more enjoyable. There is really another sense of accomplishment linked to realizing how much one can achieve while working and studying from the comfort of your own bedroom. Staying in your sweatpants all day while having the freedom to eat, drink, sing and sometimes lay down a bit with your laptop have suddenly become the trend of our remote jobs and online classes. The unacceptable in our traditional views was becoming our reality and we continue to see that as we move forward today. This sense of “freedom” does play a major role in keeping you calm, easing your insecurities, overcoming your tight work schedule and saving a lot of time transitioning between your physical office and classroom. Both were suddenly a click away. 

I still remember one funny experience I had faced while juggling around with endless duties and deadlines. I remember one day where I had an online WebEx meeting at work and at the same time, was forced to attend my class. I had two laptops on and was constantly trying to split my listening abilities in two. While my boss was asking a question which I had the answer to, I accidentally replied to her on the other student account. Of course, I wasn’t to realize what had happened until I heard my professor and classmates laughing and asking me if I needed any helping hand in my job. To one’s surprise, you get appreciated a little extra when your professor realizes the sacrifices it takes to be able to accomplish all responsibilities at the same time. The lesson I learned that day was: always look after your mute button as you never know who is hearing you on the other side!

Ultimately, I learned that tough times can blossom into beautiful outcomes. I was honored to have shared all of those with supportive employers, professors and classmates. It is never about the place; rather about the people.