Discussion 1: Tools for the Task

Before beginning a new and unfamiliar task, you mightreflect on the challenges you face and the resources you need tocomplete that task successfully. You might already possess some of thoseresources, but you may need to acquire others from outside sources.From the many options available, you need to select those resources thatwould be most beneficial in completing your task.

Similarly, as you begin the task of pursuing yourdegree at Walden, reflect on the challenges you may face, andfamiliarize yourself with the resources you have available forsuccessfully completing the task. These resources include not only thoseyou have available to you at Walden but also the personal strengths youalready possess.

For this Discussion, you evaluate the challenges youmay face on your journey, the Walden resources available, and thepersonal strengths you bring with you to the program.

To prepare:

• Reflect on your admissions essay.
• Review this week's Learning Resources, and considerwhich are most beneficial to you in helping you achieve success as aWalden student. (Consider bookmarking the Walden Library website and anyother Walden web resources you find particularly useful.)
• Review the PhD in Public Policy and Administration video in this week's Learning Resources.
• Reflect on the strengths and experiences you bringwith you as you begin your journey as a student in the PhD in PublicPolicy and Administration program.

By Day 3

Post an explanation of the challengesyou anticipate facing on your journey and how they compare with thechallenges faced by those in this week's media. Explain which of theresources presented this week you find most beneficial as you begin yourWalden journey and why. Explain any information not included in thisweek's resources that you would like to see included and why. Then,explain which of the strengths you possess you think will help youachieve success in your program. Finally, explain how your experienceand skills compare to the experiences of the students featured in thisweek's media.

Read all of your colleagues' postings.

By Day 5

Respond to at least one of your colleagues in one of the following ways:

• Compare your strengths and challenges to those of your colleague.
• Suggest resources that may help your colleague overcome one of his or her challenges.
• Suggest a way that you can help one another achieve success in your program.

Return to this Discussion in a fewdays to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you havelearned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the commentsyour colleagues made.